Mathematical Physicist – PhD

Posted 1hrs ago

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Job Description

Mathematical Physicist creating and validating research-level physics problems for CritPt, Mercor’s benchmark for frontier AI reasoning. Applying published expertise in specialized mathematical-physics phenomena.

Responsibilities:

  • Create, solve, review, or audit research-level physics problems in the applicant’s specific subfield
  • Produce complete written reasoning that another specialist can independently follow and verify
  • Work on benchmark problems involving special functions, integrable systems, permutation combinatorics, random tensor network entanglement, or conformal geometry
  • Select applicable research areas and provide supporting arXiv IDs or DOIs
  • Participate in onboarding or a short live alignment call to agree on the area and assignment
  • Complete a brief 30–45 minute assessment if requested
  • Collaborate asynchronously on projects training and enhancing frontier AI systems
  • Complete assignments over a sustained 8–10 week engagement, subject to project extension, shortening, or early conclusion

Requirements:

  • PhD in mathematical physics, theoretical physics, or mathematics (hard requirement)
  • Postdoctoral researchers, research scientists, and junior faculty are strongest fits
  • Senior PhD students with a strong first-author record may apply
  • Published work on one of the specified phenomena: special functions, integrable systems, permutation combinatorics for random tensor network entanglement, or conformal geometry
  • Verifiable publication record with three to five representative papers, including arXiv IDs or DOIs; first author strongly preferred
  • Working proficiency with LaTeX, Python, SymPy, and Jupyter
  • Familiarity with an agentic coding extension in VS Code is useful but not required
  • English proficiency at B2 level or above, including written reasoning
  • Must be able to work 10 hours per week across an 8 to 10 week window, starting immediately
  • Must work as an independent contractor
  • H-1B and STEM OPT candidates are not supported
  • Must provide proof of authorship and methods demonstrated for selected research areas

Benefits:

  • Remote and asynchronous work with no fixed hours
  • Flexible schedule
  • Weekly payments via Stripe or Wise
  • Competitive pay based on depth of subdomain match
  • Reasonable accommodations upon request
  • Opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers and help shape next-generation AI systems
  • Referral earnings of up to $440 per successful referral, subject to referral limits