Physics Research Collaborator | $80–110/hr | Part-Time | Worldwide Remote
Join a select cohort of accomplished physics researchers contributing to the next generation of AI systems for scientific reasoning. Our partner AI labs are building frontier models that reason at the level of a working researcher — and they need contributors whose own research sits at the cutting edge.
This position is placed at a leading AI lab as part of their extended workforce, administered through Cincinnatus LLC as the employer of record (W-2 employment).
What You'll Do
- Review and evaluate research papers in physics for correctness, novelty, and significance
- Author and review challenging physics problems used to train and evaluate frontier AI models
- Evaluate model outputs across tasks including analytical derivation, mechanism prediction, numerical modeling, experimental design, and literature reasoning
- Identify failure modes in current AI models — particularly errors a working PhD physicist would immediately recognize
- Collaborate with a small program team and other senior contributors
Areas of Focus
Relevant subfields include theoretical physics, condensed matter, quantum information, particle physics, high-energy theory, astrophysics, cosmology, AMO physics, plasma physics, biophysics, statistical physics, computational physics, and mathematical physics.
Qualifications
We're looking for researchers who meet several of the following criteria:
- First-author or co-first-author publications in top journals such as Physical Review Letters, Nature Physics, Science, JHEP, The Astrophysical Journal, or similar
- Doctorate or postdoctoral training from a top-20 global institution in physics or a related STEM field
- Competitive fellowship recipient (e.g., NSF GRFP, Hertz, Sloan, Packard, Marie Curie, Hubble, Einstein, or similar)
- Issued patents, a spin-out company, or grants held as a named PI or Co-I
- International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) medal (Gold, Silver, or Bronze)
- Current or recent active research role: PhD candidate, postdoctoral researcher, faculty member, or industry researcher
Outstanding senior PhD students and recent graduates with strong publication records are strongly encouraged to apply. Depth of research output matters more than years of experience.
Engagement Details
- Commitment: Part-time, up to 20 hours per week
- Compensation: $80–$110/hr, reflecting research seniority and credentials
- Employment: W-2 via Cincinnatus LLC
