Applied Physics Specialist

Alignerr; Oxford; Remote; GBP 103,000 - 165,000; Part time

Job summary

Alignerr is seeking a PhD-level Applied Physicist to stress-test AI models by exposing gaps in physical reasoning and ensuring adherence to fundamental laws. Remote, hourly contract with flexible scheduling and high intellectual challenge.

You will design open-ended physics problems, craft gold-standard solutions, and audit AI outputs for consistency across quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and classical mechanics, with meticulous attention to units and notation.

Qualifications

• PhD-level expertise in applied physics or closely related field.
• Strong ability to explain complex physics and derivations in clear written English.
• Independent, self-directed with high attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Design advanced, open-ended physics problems at PhD level with multi-step reasoning.
• Author definitive solutions with precise, step-by-step workings and units.
• Audit AI simulations for physical consistency and first-principles accuracy.
• Provide expert feedback to improve AI reasoning on conservation and constraints.
• Work across quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and classical mechanics.

Skills

Classical Mechanics

Electrodynamics

Statistical Mechanics

Quantum Mechanics

Education

PhD in Applied Physics or closely related field

Tools

MATLAB

COMSOL

Python (NumPy/SciPy)

Job description

Applied Physics Specialist (AI Training)

About The Role

What if your years of training in quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, and thermodynamics could directly shape how AI understands the physical world? We're looking for PhD-level Applied Physicists to stress-test cutting-edge AI models — exposing the gaps in their physical reasoning and helping ensure they never violate the fundamental laws of the universe.

This is a fully remote, flexible contract role. No AI background needed — just deep domain expertise and a rigorous scientific mind.

• Organization: Alignerr
• Type: Hourly Contract
• Location: Remote
• Commitment: 10–40 hours/week

What You'll Do

• Design advanced, open-ended physics problems at PhD qualifying exam level — requiring multi-step logical reasoning and rigorous mathematical derivation
• Author definitive "golden" solutions with precise, step-by-step workings, ensuring every physical constant, unit, and derivation is airtight
• Audit AI-generated simulations, proofs, and explanations for physical consistency — identifying where models "hallucinate" physics that violates first principles
• Provide structured, expert feedback to improve AI reasoning around conservation laws, boundary conditions, and physical constraints
• Work across core physics domains including quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, and classical mechanics

Who You Are

• Holds a PhD (completed or near completion) in Applied Physics, Physics, Engineering Physics, or a closely related field
• Deep mastery across the core pillars of physics: Classical Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Statistical Mechanics, and Quantum Mechanics
• Exceptional ability to explain complex physical phenomena and mathematical derivations in clear, structured written English
• Uncompromising attention to detail — units, scientific notation, and logical proof structure matter to you
• Self-directed and reliable when working independently on task-based assignments
• No prior AI or machine learning experience required

Nice to Have

• Prior experience with data annotation, dataset quality evaluation, or scientific benchmark development
• Proficiency with scientific computing tools such as MATLAB, COMSOL, or Python (NumPy/SciPy)
• Background in research, academic publishing, or physics education

Why Join Us

• Work on high-impact AI projects alongside world-leading research labs
• Fully remote and flexible — set your own schedule and work from anywhere
• Freelance autonomy with meaningful, intellectually stimulating work
• Directly influence how AI models reason about the physical world at a foundational level
• Potential for ongoing work and contract extension as new projects launch