About the Role
What if your deep expertise in physics could directly shape how AI understands the physical world? We're looking for PhD-level Applied Physicists to put cutting-edge AI models through rigorous scientific scrutiny — probing their grasp of quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, electrodynamics, and more to expose where they go wrong.
This is a fully remote, flexible contract role built for researchers and academics who want high-impact, intellectually stimulating work on their own schedule. No prior AI experience needed — just mastery of physics and a sharp analytical mind.
- Organization: Alignerr
- Type: Hourly Contract
- Location: Remote
- Commitment: 10–40 hours/week
What You'll Do
- Design PhD-Level Problems: Craft advanced, open-ended physics problems requiring multi-step reasoning, complex derivations, and deep conceptual understanding — the kind that would challenge candidates at a qualifying exam
- Author Ground-Truth Solutions: Write rigorous, step-by-step "golden responses" with precise physical constants, correct unit conversions, and airtight logical flow
- Audit AI Reasoning: Evaluate AI-generated proofs and simulations for physical consistency — identifying where models "hallucinate" physics that violates first principles like conservation of energy or momentum
- Improve Model Reasoning: Provide structured, expert feedback that helps AI systems develop genuine physics-informed reasoning, including proper handling of boundary conditions, symmetry arguments, and conservation laws
- Benchmark AI Capabilities: Work on university-level and research-level challenges spanning quantum mechanics, classical mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical mechanics, and thermodynamics
Who You Are
- Hold a PhD (completed or in final stages) in Applied Physics, Physics, Engineering Physics, or a closely related field
- Have deep, working mastery across the core pillars of physics: Classical Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Statistical Mechanics, and Quantum Mechanics
- Can explain complex physical phenomena and mathematical derivations in clear, structured, precise English
- Uncompromisingly detail-oriented when it comes to units, scientific notation, dimensional analysis, and proof structure
- Self-motivated and reliable when working independently on task-based assignments
- No prior AI or machine learning experience required
Nice to Have
- Experience with scientific data annotation, dataset quality review, or evaluation systems
- Proficiency with computational tools such as Python (NumPy/SciPy), MATLAB, or COMSOL
- Background in research, academia, or technical writing
- Familiarity with AI or language model evaluation workflows
Why Join Us
- Work on genuinely cutting-edge AI projects alongside leading AI research labs
- Fully remote and flexible — work when and where it suits you, on your own schedule
- Freelance autonomy with the structure of meaningful, high-impact work
- Apply your physics expertise to problems that matter — ensuring AI reasoning respects the fundamental laws of the universe
- Potential for ongoing work and contract extension as new projects launch
- Collaborate with a global network of PhD-level scientists and researchers