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
















