Remote Part-Time Theoretical Physicist — Research-Grade

Mercor

New York (NY)

Remote

USD 110,000 - 152,000

Part time

14 days+

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Job summary

Mercor's CritPt research panel seeks scientists to tackle research-grade physics problems in their subfield. You may create problems, solve, review, or audit work; written reasoning is essential and must be verifiable.

Ideal candidates hold a PhD in mathematical physics, theoretical physics, or mathematics, with a strong publication record and proficiency in LaTeX, Python, SymPy and Jupyter. Remote, part-time engagement for 8–10 weeks at 10 hours/week is offered.

Qualifications

A PhD in mathematical physics, theoretical physics or mathematics. This is a hard requirement. Postdoctoral researchers, research scientists and junior faculty are the strongest fit. Senior PhD students with a strong first-author record are welcome to apply.
Published work on the specific phenomenon above, not the adjacent one. Command of the methods is not enough if you have not published on the phenomenon itself.
A verifiable publication record. Three to five representative papers with arXiv IDs or DOIs, ideally from the last five years. First author strongly preferred.
Working proficiency with LaTeX, Python, SymPy and Jupyter. Some familiarity with an agentic coding extension in VS Code is useful.
English at B2 or above, including written reasoning.

Responsibilities

Engage on research-level physics problems in your subfield; create problems, solve them, review completed work, or audit it.
Ensure written reasoning is included in every assignment.
Collaborate within a panel focusing on one of four areas: special functions, integrable systems, permutation combinatorics, and conformal geometry.
Demonstrate publications and a verifiable record with arXiv IDs or DOIs.