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Physics Expert (PhD, Master's, or Olympiad Participants)
Mercor • Remote
Education
Not stated
Type
Hourly
Pay Rate
$60–$80/hr
Listed
274d ago
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Check Listing → ⚡ Boost your chances - Optimize your resume with Rezi.aiAbout this role
From the Mercor listing
Mercor is collaborating with a leading AI research lab on a project to advance frontier physics problem-solving. We are looking for physics experts who hold a PhD or Master’s degree, or have experience participating in the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO). 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.
Requirements
- Must be eligible to work in Remote
- Fluent proficiency in English (Written & Verbal)
- Reliable high-speed internet connection
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
- Demonstrated expertise in STEM
Talent Pool members
Apply through this link and we can put you forward to Mercor when your profile is a strong match. Not every applicant is submitted. If you're not in the pool yet, set up your profile first.
Set up your profile →Why this role
$60–$80/hr for Physics Expert (PhD, Master's, or Olympiad Participants) work puts your STEM expertise on the same footing as an AI lab's own research staff, without the overhead of running a consulting practice around it.
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Common questions
Does Mercor's application require an on-camera interview?
Yes, every applicant records a video interview with an AI interviewer that asks questions about your resume. Clients review that recording to judge communication skills before matching, so there's no way to apply without going on camera.
Does it cost money to apply to Mercor?
No, applying and joining Mercor is free. Mercor's revenue comes from a fee it charges the client on top of your hourly rate, not from applicants. Treat any request for payment to join as a red flag.
Is academic-niche AI training a continuous job?
Usually not. Work runs in campaigns, like training a model specifically on quantum mechanics, that might last a few weeks. Treat it as a high-paying fellowship or grant rather than a permanent daily job.
Is academic-niche AI training just data labeling?
No, it's closer to academic research. Expect to write or verify complex proofs, solve advanced equations, or check the logic behind a model's step-by-step reasoning. The goal is teaching AI systems to reason deeply within your specific field.
What does STEM work look like for a Physics Expert (PhD, Master's, or Olympiad Participants)?
Tasks here are scoped to STEM, not generic labeling. As a Physics Expert (PhD, Master's, or Olympiad Participants), expect to draw on real domain judgment (evaluating outputs, correcting errors, or providing expert reasoning specific to STEM) rather than following a one-size-fits-all rubric. If you don't have hands-on STEM background, this is likely not the right listing to start with.
What specific skills does this listing call for?
Expert and PhD are named directly in the listing. If you don't have hands-on experience with these, expect the screening process to test for them directly rather than accepting adjacent experience as a substitute.
How much does this specific role pay?
This listing is posted at $60–$80/hr, an hourly rate. The range reflects experience level and negotiated terms, not a placeholder, so where you land in it depends on your background and the assessment. Pay can change between when we last checked the listing and when you apply, so confirm the current number on the platform's own application page before committing time.
What happens when I click Apply on this listing?
You'll be taken to Mercor's external site to complete your application there. This listing links through a referral, but the process is identical to applying directly; the link just routes you correctly. Create an account on their site and follow their onboarding steps.
How soon will I start working after applying to Mercor?
Not immediately. Mercor is a talent marketplace, not a task queue, so applying puts you in a pool of candidates. You start working only once a specific client, like a major AI lab, selects your profile, and that matching process can take weeks.