Physics Expert PhD (AMO / Optical Properties of Materials)

Confidential; United States; Remote; USD 83,000 - 131,000; Part time

Job summary

Zekai is seeking a Physics Expert with a PhD in AMO or closely related fields for a 100% remote, part-time contractor role. You will apply advanced knowledge of atomic and optical properties to support a specialized AI-related project, focusing on high-quality, shareable research and practical insights.

Responsibilities include analyzing polarizability via ab initio methods, guiding atomic-structure calculations for Yb-171 and Yb-174, and explaining sigma vs pi transitions, with flexible hours

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Physics with AMO/ optical materials focus.
• Experience with ab initio quantum chemistry and CI methods.
• Deep understanding of ytterbium isotopes Yb-171/Yb-174.
• Ability to clearly explain sigma and pi transitions.
• Strong written and verbal scientific communication.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert insights on AMO physics and optical properties.
• Review ab initio methods for polarizability in atomic systems.
• Guide atomic-structure calculations for Yb isotopes.
• Differentiate sigma and pi transitions in atomic spectra.
• Participate in adaptive AI interviews with concrete examples.

Skills

AMO physics

Polarizability concepts

Atomic spectra analysis

Sigma vs pi transitions

Scientific communication

Education

PhD in Physics (AMO / Optical Properties)

Tools

Ab initio calculations

Configuration interaction

Atomic-structure modelling

Job description

Role Title: Physics Expert PhD (AMO / Optical Properties of Materials)

Role Type: Part-Time, Contractor

Location: Fully Remote, Open to candidates worlwide

Schedule: 5-10+ hrs/week. Fully flexible (Can accomodate after hours + weekends if needed)

our partner is engaging Physics Experts (AMO / Optical Properties of Materials) to contribute their advanced knowledge to a specialized customer project focused on atomic and optical properties. In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI systems. Your work will shape how models learn, reason, and perform through high-quality, real-world input. No prior experience in AI is required — your domain knowledge is what matters.

Scope of Work

• Provide expert insights on atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics, with an emphasis on the optical properties of materials.
• Review, analyze, and discuss ab initio configuration interaction methods for calculating polarizability in atomic systems.
• Offer guidance and critique on atomic-structure calculations, specifically for Yb-171 and Yb-174 isotopes.
• Identify and differentiate between sigma and pi transitions in relevant atomic spectra, explaining underlying physical principles.
• Participate in adaptive, spoken AI interviews, responding to one question at a time and providing clear, concrete examples from legally shareable research or projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Ms,PhD or equivalent experience) in Physics, with a focus on AMO physics or optical properties of materials.
• Proven experience with ab initio quantum chemistry calculations, specifically configuration interaction approaches to polarizability.
• Deep understanding of atomic-structure computation techniques, particularly as applied to ytterbium isotopes (Yb-171 and Yb-174).
• Strong capability to identify and explain sigma vs pi transitions in atomic contexts.
• Demonstrated aptitude for clear, structured written and verbal scientific communication.

This is a 100% remote contract role, open to applicants worldwide in the countries the employer accepts.