STEMRemote, United StatesProject-based
Physics Expert
For physicists who can set a problem a model gets subtly wrong, and derive the right answer cleanly.
What you would do
- Write problems with randomized values and a derivation that checks out step by step, such as a charged particle moving through crossed fields.
- Grade model solutions for units, signs, approximations and limiting cases.
- Find where a model’s derivation breaks, such as a dropped factor of 2 or an approximation used outside its range.
- Check answers with a quick numerical simulation or an order-of-magnitude estimate.
- Write rubrics that separate a correct method from a lucky final number.
What we look for
The minimum
- You study at or graduated from a college or university in physics or a related field.
- A derivation, simulation, measurement or project you did yourself and can explain in depth.
- Upper-level coursework in at least two core areas, such as mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum or statistical physics.
- Comfort with limiting cases, dimensional analysis and order-of-magnitude checks.
Ideal
- A degree in physics; a master’s or PhD is even better.
- Research or applied physics work, especially at an AI lab or AI company.
- Publications, a thesis or teaching physics at university level.
- Computational skill, such as numerical methods in Python, Julia or C++.
How the work runs
- Task size
- Tasks take about 30 minutes to 5 hours. Each one shows its estimated time and price before you start, and you are paid that price even if it takes you more or less time.
- Pay
- Per task accepted in review: its estimated time times the project’s rate. A task estimated at 2 hours at $120 an hour pays $240. Accepted tasks are paid within 30 days.
- Hours
- Projects last 1 month to a year. Each sets a weekly minimum, usually about 20 hours of estimated work, and you choose when you work.
- Tools and review
- Your own computer, LaTeX for derivations, and Python or a similar tool for quick numerical checks. Every task is reviewed against the project’s written quality standard before it is accepted.