Physics Expert PhD (AMO / Optical Properties of Materials)
Micro1 • Remote
Education
PhD
Type
Hourly
Pay Rate
$100–$200/hr
Actively Hiring
10 openings
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- Interview
- Required i As stated in the listing: “Participate in adaptive, spoken AI interviews, responding to one question at a time and providing clear, concrete examples from legally shareable research or projects.”
About this role
From the Micro1 listing
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) micro1 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.
Requirements
- Physics
- ab initio configuration interaction for polarizability
- atomic-structure calculations for Yb-171 / Yb-174
- sigma vs pi transition identification
- Must be eligible to work in Remote
How long hiring takes
Across the AI training platforms we refer candidates to, the median gap between referral and hire is about 30 days. It varies by platform and role, so treat it as a rough guide for this one.
Key responsibilities
- 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.
Why this role
Micro1's Physics Expert (AMO / Optical Properties of Materials) role pays $100-$200 per hour for specialists in atomic and optical physics. The work runs 5 to 10-plus hours a week on a fully flexible schedule and focuses on tasks like ab initio configuration interaction calculations for polarizability and atomic-structure work on Yb-171 and Yb-174. Candidates should be comfortable distinguishing sigma from pi transitions at a research level, since the project is built around that specific slice of AMO physics.
Talent pool
We're light on STEM candidates
We've matched 65 people with a STEM background against 726 STEM listings we've tracked, so most go out without one. Set up a profile and we'll consider you for a role like this one.
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Common questions
Can I apply to Micro1 from outside the US or UK?
Yes. Micro1 accepts applicants from most countries worldwide, unlike DataAnnotation or Outlier, both of which cap access to a handful of English-speaking countries. Most roles still require strong written and spoken English.
Does Micro1 monitor your computer while you work?
On many projects, yes, through time-tracking tools that take periodic screenshots to verify active hours. Check the specific project's requirements before accepting if desktop monitoring is a dealbreaker.
Why do these AI training roles pay so much?
Because general knowledge isn't what's being tested. The model already knows the basics; what it needs is expertise on edge cases, the rare, difficult, highly technical judgment calls only a senior professional in the field would make correctly.
What does the day-to-day workload look like for elite-expert AI training roles?
Slow and deep, not fast and repetitive. A single task can take 45-60 minutes of researching citations or verifying complex calculations. Quality is what's being measured here, not throughput.
What does STEM work look like for a Physics Expert PhD (AMO / Optical Properties of Materials) ?
Tasks here are scoped to STEM, not generic labeling. As a Physics Expert PhD (AMO / Optical Properties of Materials) , 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?
Physics, ab initio configuration interaction for polarizability, atomic-structure calculations for Yb-171 / Yb-174, and sigma vs pi transition identification 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.
What does the 'openings' count on this listing mean?
It's Micro1's live count of how many candidates it's still trying to place for this specific role, 10 right now, not a countdown on your individual application. A higher number signals more active demand; it doesn't lower the bar for acceptance.
How much does this specific role pay?
This listing is posted at $100–$200/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 Micro1'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.
Is a PhD required?
For this specific role, yes, or near-equivalent professional depth. The credential gate is enforced at the assessment stage, not just on paper. That said, active PhD candidates and people with equivalent published research have qualified without a formal degree. The assessment is the real filter.
Is there an interview?
Yes. Participate in adaptive, spoken AI interviews, responding to one question at a time and providing clear, concrete examples from legally shareable research or projects.