Physics Expert

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.

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:

• 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)

• Or as a graduate researcher or educator experienced in designing advanced conceptual or quantitative problems in the sciences.

Other qualifications:

• 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

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

Compensation & Contract Terms

• $60-80/hr dependent on experience performance

• Open to contributors worldwide (English proficiency required)

• Independent contractor engagement

• Payments issued weekly via Stripe Connect

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

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 DAngelo Larry Summers and Jack Dorsey.

• Thousands of professionals across domains like 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