Tech Lead, Founding Team

About the OpportunityBlue Loupe is an early-stage startup reimagining academic research and writing. Our AI-powered assistant helps scholars and students create, refine, and evaluate scientific texts — combining editor-based article creation, seamless citation integration, in-depth manuscript evaluation, and privacy protections. Built on contextual intelligence, Blue Loupe also has potential applications in the defense sector.We are currently in the pre-funding, MVP phase. We’re looking for a hands-on technical partner to join us at this foundational stage. This is a chance to shape core architectural choices, drive the development of AI-driven features, and set the technical culture from the ground up — with the possibility of evolving into a co-founder role as mutual fit is established.The RoleSet the vision: Define and shape the technical roadmap for our AI-powered research assistant.Build & validate: Develop the MVP (together with our software engineer), test integrations (e.g., Zotero, citation management, LLMs), and iterate with early users.Architect & scale: Establish frameworks for privacy-first AI, version control, and contextual feedback.Own & grow: Take technical ownership of the platform and expand your role as the company matures.Ship value: Ensure that our product helps researchers not just summarize, but truly think and write better.Core ResponsibilitiesUser Interface & Writing Environment: Lead the development of a modern, seamless, and intuitive writing experience.Core Logic & Data Management: Design and implement a secure architecture that ensures data remains, to a reasonable extent, under the user’s control.Artificial Intelligence & Large Language Models: Oversee the integration of LLM technology into the platform.Source Integrations & Ecosystem: Build compatibility with essential research tools and databases to support a robust user ecosystem.Ideal CandidateStrong skills in LLMs, AI agents, and full-stack development.Proven ability to prototype, build, and iterate quickly.Entrepreneurial mindset — comfortable with uncertainty and motivated by impact.Scholarly interests are considered an advantage.Located in Finland.Ready to commit part-time now, with potential to grow into a full-time role later.Why This Role?Path to ownership: Opportunity to grow into a co-founder role, with equity potential linked to contribution, trust, and long-term commitment.Impact: Shape how researchers and students worldwide interact with AI in their daily work.Trajectory: Join at a pivotal moment — with development underway and a clear funding path.Culture: Mission-driven, ambitious, and collaborative — where your ideas will directly shape the product and company.This is a rare opportunity to join at the earliest stage of product development, shape both the technology and the strategic direction of the company, and grow into a founding member. If you want to build something that will stand the test of time—this is the moment.