This job post has expired on September 22, 2026. It is likely that the position has already been filled.
Physics PhD Coding Expert at Mercor
posted 1 month agoPhysics PhD Coding Expert | $70/hr | Worldwide Remote | Part-Time Contract (6 Weeks)
Mercor is partnering with leading AI labs to build a cutting-edge benchmark for scientific computing. We are seeking PhD-level physicists with strong coding skills to author original, executable research problems designed to challenge today's most advanced AI models. If you have deep domain expertise and a passion for pushing the boundaries of scientific AI, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
What You'll Do
- Source original material from published papers, open datasets, repositories, or self-designed scenarios
- Write rigorous scientific prompts grounded in your source material
- Build grading criteria that precisely define correct solutions
- Calibrate tasks against frontier AI models — a task ships only when strong models fail more often than they succeed
Required Qualifications
- PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, or a closely related field
- Demonstrated depth in at least two of the following subdomains: Condensed Matter, Optics, Quantum Information/Computing, Computational Physics, Astrophysics, or Particle Physics
- Working proficiency in Python, R, or another scientific computing language
- Comfortable with Git/GitHub and running code in Docker — authoring follows a pull-request workflow with automated quality checks
Preferred Qualifications
- Publications in peer-reviewed journals
- Prior scientific software development or research engineering experience
Engagement Details
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Commitment: Part-time, 20+ hours per week
- Start Date: Immediate
- Rate: $70/hr
Application Process
- Submit your resume and application form
- Complete a 25-minute conversational interview covering your background and experience
- Receive follow-up within a few days with next steps and onboarding details
Apply today and put your research expertise to work shaping the next generation of scientific AI.
How to apply for this role
- Upload your resume — keep it up-to-date and in English. Mercor will auto-fill your profile from it.
- Complete the AI interview — a 15-minute conversation about your experience. Be ready to discuss specific projects and challenges you've solved.
- Submit your application — only about 20% of applicants finish all the steps, so completing yours puts you well ahead.