Physics Expert (PhD, Master's, or Olympiad Participants) Part-time

Physics Expert (PhD, Master's, or Olympiad Participants)

$60-$80 per hour

Hourly contract

Remote

Posted by Mercor

mercor.com

Role Overview

Mercor is collaborating with a leading AI research lab on a project to advance frontier physics problem-solving. We are looking for physics experts who hold a PhD or Master's degree, or have experience participating in the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO). The goal of this project is to create novel, clear, and challenging Olympiad-style physics problems that cause the frontier AI models to fail (i.e. generate an incorrect response) and support the training of cutting-edge AI models.

This is a short-term, high impact, remote opportunity for those excited about applying their expertise to frontier AI research, with the possibility of extension based on performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Write original & advanced IPhO-style physics problems to challenge frontier AI models
• Evaluate AI-generated solutions for correctness, clarity and style and identify where models fail
• Identify logical flaws, incomplete reasoning, or insufficiently-rigorous proofs
• Provide clear, concise, and correct solutions & chain of thought reasoning using proper LaTeX formatting
• Maintain extremely high standards of precision and problem difficulty

Required Qualifications

Note: Applicants must be highly proficient in writing and formatting documents using LaTeX

You are a good fit for the project if you have any of the following experiences:

• Have a Master's or PhD in physics (or a related field), or are an Olympiad participant or medalist in the IPhO (preferred) or equivalent competitions (RPhO, CPhO, APhO, EuPhO, USAPhO, BPhO, INPhO, JPhO, UPC, IYPT, CUPT).

Other qualifications:

• Deep understanding of your domain's core theoretical and experimental concepts
• Ability to articulate reasoning and derivations clearly in written form
• Strong ability to evaluate the rigor and complexity of physics problems
• Rigorous attention to detail in verifying solutions

More About the Opportunity

• Expected commitment: 20 hours/week minimum; up to 40 hours/week available
• Approximate project length: ~2 months, with extension potential
• Rolling start dates; setup typically within 1–2 days of approval

Application Process

• Submit your resume or CV highlighting physics background and relevant achievements
• Complete a brief interview (20–30 minutes)
• Submit a short form detailing your experience writing problems and competing in physics competitions
• Selected applicants will be contacted within a few days with next steps

We consider all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics and provide reasonable accommodations upon request.