Physics - Research Collaborator

Join a leading AI lab’s cutting-edge research team to be at the core of the AI revolution, where your expertise fuels the development of the most advanced LLMs.

We are seeking advanced Physics Researchers & PhD Students to contribute to a project supporting a frontier-model evaluation effort focused on physics reasoning and problem-solving. You'll design and validate challenging benchmark tasks to help surface and diagnose reasoning gaps in a target model. The work centers on building robust, real-world physics tasks with verifiable solutions and then analyzing model behavior.

Location Requirements

1. Role Overview

Physics Researchers & PhD Students

2. Key Responsibilities

3. Core Qualifications

4. More about the Opportunity

Join a leading AI lab’s cutting-edge research team to be at the core of the AI revolution, where your expertise fuels the development of the most advanced LLMs. We are seeking advanced Physics Researchers & PhD Students to contribute to a project supporting a frontier-model evaluation effort focused on physics reasoning and problem-solving. You'll design and validate challenging benchmark tasks to help surface and diagnose reasoning gaps in a target model. The work centers on building robust, real-world physics tasks with verifiable solutions and then analyzing model behavior. Design challenging, real-world physics problems spanning areas such as classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and other physics subfields. Prepare all necessary components, including detailed problem statements, golden solutions, and evaluation criteria. Evaluate the model's performance on the tasks. Identify tasks where the target model fails, specifically classifying failures in physics reasoning and mathematical derivation. Analyze model trajectories to observe and extract core capability loss patterns. Currently enrolled in or recently completed a PhD program in Physics or a closely related field (e.g., Astrophysics, Applied Physics, Condensed Matter) at a top-tier university. Deep expertise in one or more subfields of physics, with strong mathematical and analytical skills. Ability to write clear, rigorous, and well-structured physics problems and solutions. Verbal and written communication skills, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently. Ability to engage reliably for 8+ hours/week. About Cincinnatus LLC: Cincinnatus is an enterprise staffing company that partners with leading technology companies to source and employ highly skilled professionals for full-time and long-term contingent roles. Cincinnatus serves as the employer of record for these engagements, providing W-2 employment, payroll, benefits, and compliance, while placing employees directly within client teams to work on high-impact initiatives. Applicants must be located in the United States with eligible work authorization. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics and provide reasonable accommodations upon request.

• Design challenging, real-world physics problems spanning areas such as classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and other physics subfields.
• Prepare all necessary components, including detailed problem statements, golden solutions, and evaluation criteria.
• Evaluate the model's performance on the tasks.
• Identify tasks where the target model fails, specifically classifying failures in physics reasoning and mathematical derivation.
• Analyze model trajectories to observe and extract core capability loss patterns.
• Currently enrolled in or recently completed a PhD program in Physics or a closely related field (e.g., Astrophysics, Applied Physics, Condensed Matter) at a top-tier university.
• Deep expertise in one or more subfields of physics, with strong mathematical and analytical skills.
• Ability to write clear, rigorous, and well-structured physics problems and solutions.
• Verbal and written communication skills, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently.
• Ability to engage reliably for 8+ hours/week.
• About Cincinnatus LLC: Cincinnatus is an enterprise staffing company that partners with leading technology companies to source and employ highly skilled professionals for full-time and long-term contingent roles. Cincinnatus serves as the employer of record for these engagements, providing W-2 employment, payroll, benefits, and compliance, while placing employees directly within client teams to work on high-impact initiatives.
• Applicants must be located in the United States with eligible work authorization.