Physics Expert

Role Description

Mercor is collaborating with a leading AI research lab on a project to advance frontier physics problem-solving. We are seeking physics experts with International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) experience (participants, medalist, problem-setters, coaches, graders, selection committee members). The goal of this project is to create novel, clear, and challenging Olympiad-style physics problems that cause the frontier AI models to fail (i.e. generate an incorrect response) and support the training of cutting-edge AI models.

This is a short-term, high impact, remote opportunity for those excited about applying their expertise to frontier AI research, with the possibility of extension based on performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Write original & advanced IPhO-style physics problems to challenge frontier AI models
• Evaluate AI-generated solutions for correctness, clarity and style and identify where models fail
• Identify logical flaws, incomplete reasoning, or insufficiently-rigorous proofs
• Provide clear, concise, and correct solutions & chain of thought reasoning using proper LaTeX formatting
• Maintain extremely high standards of precision and problem difficulty

Qualifications

• Olympiad medalist, problem setter, coach, or selection committee member in IPhO (preferred) or equivalent competitions (RPhO, CPhO, IPhO TST, APhO, EuPhO, USAPhO, BPhO, INPhO, JPhO, UPC, IYPT, CUPT)
• Graduate researcher or educator experienced in designing advanced conceptual or quantitative problems in the sciences
• Deep understanding of your domain’s core theoretical and experimental concepts
• Ability to articulate reasoning and derivations clearly in written form
• Strong ability to evaluate the rigor and complexity of physics problems
• Rigorous attention to detail in verifying solutions

Requirements

• Highly proficient in writing and formatting documents using LaTeX

Benefits

• Expected commitment: 20 hours/week minimum; up to 40 hours/week available
• Approximate project length: ~2 months, with extension potential
• Rolling start dates; setup typically within 1–2 days of approval

Compensation & Contract Terms

• $60-80/hr dependent on experience + performance
• Open to contributors worldwide (English proficiency required)
• Independent contractor engagement
• Payments issued weekly via Stripe Connect

Application Process

• Submit your resume or CV highlighting physics background and relevant achievements
• Complete a brief interview (20–30 minutes)
• Submit a short form detailing your experience writing problems and competing in physics competitions
• Selected applicants will be contacted within a few days with next steps

Company Description

• Mercor is a talent marketplace that connects top experts with leading AI labs and research organizations.
• Our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Adam D’Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.
• Thousands of professionals across domains like law, creatives, engineering, and research have partnered with Mercor to contribute to frontier projects shaping the next era of AI.