Physics Expert

Mercor; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading talent marketplace is seeking physics experts for a remote project involving the creation of challenging physics problems to test frontier AI models. The role requires a minimum commitment of 20 hours per week, with a strong emphasis on problem setting and evaluation in a collaborative environment. Ideal candidates will have experience in international physics competitions and demonstrate rigorous attention to detail. Compensation ranges from $60 to $80 per hour based on experience and performance. The project may extend beyond the initial two-month engagement.

Qualifications

• Experience as an IPhO medalist, problem setter, coach, or committee member.
• Graduate researcher or educator in advanced problem design.
• Strong understanding of theoretical and experimental physics concepts.

Responsibilities

• Write original IPhO-style problems to challenge AI models.
• Evaluate AI-generated solutions for correctness and clarity.
• Identify logical flaws and provide clear solutions using LaTeX.

Skills

LaTeX proficiency

Problem setting in physics competitions

Attention to detail

Job description

1. Role Overview

Mercor is collaborating with a leading AI research lab on a project to advance frontier physics problem-solving. We are seeking physics experts with International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) experience (participants medalist problem-setters coaches graders selection committee members). 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.

2. 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

3. 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:

• Olympiad medalist, problem setter, coach or selection committee member in IPhO (preferred) or equivalent competitions (RPhO, CPhO, IPhO, TST, APhO, EuPhO, USAPhO, BPhO, INPhO, JPhO, UPC, IYPT, CUPT)
• Graduate researcher or educator experienced in designing advanced conceptual or quantitative problems in the sciences.
• Deep understanding of your domains’ 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.

4. 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 12 days of approval.

5. Compensation & Contract Terms

$60–80 / hr dependent on experience and performance.

Open to contributors worldwide (English proficiency required).

Independent contractor engagement.

Payments issued weekly via Stripe Connect.

6. Application Process

• Submit your resume or CV highlighting physics background and relevant achievements.
• Complete a brief interview (2030 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.

7. About Mercor

Mercor is a talent marketplace that connects top experts with leading AI labs and research organizations.

Our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Adam D'Amigo, Larry Summers and Jack Dorsey.

Thousands of professionals across domains such as law, creatives, engineering and research have partnered with Mercor to contribute to frontier projects shaping the next era of AI.

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

Key Skills

Client Server, Marketing and Merchandising, Facilities Management, DSP, Bakery

Employment Type: Full Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1