At a Glance
- Tasks: Create challenging physics questions and solutions for elite AI research labs.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge company backed by top investors in the tech industry.
- Benefits: Earn $61–$77/hour, work remotely, and enjoy flexible hours.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to influence academic problem design.
- Why this job: Make an impact in AI research while showcasing your physics expertise.
- Qualifications: PhD or doctoral candidate in Physics or related field required.
The predicted salary is between 77 - 77 £ per hour.
Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.
Position: Applied Physics Benchmark Specialist
Type: Contract
Compensation: $61–$77/hour
Location: Remote
Commitment: 10+ hours/week
Role Responsibilities
- Author original physics questions that test deep conceptual understanding, not surface-level recall.
- Ensure questions are unambiguous, self-contained, and precisely defined with all necessary information in the problem statement.
- Rate each question's difficulty: Medium (intro undergraduate), Hard (advanced undergraduate), or Expert (post-graduate and above).
- Provide 1 correct answer and 9 plausible but subtly incorrect alternatives that challenge expert-level solvers.
- Write step-by-step Chain-of-Thought solutions with clear, concise intermediate steps in markdown format.
- Supply 1–5 academic references per question from reputable sources (peer-reviewed journals, university repositories).
- For verification tasks: flag issues with clarity, completeness, precision, or solvability and justify any edits made.
Qualifications
Must-Have
- PhD or doctoral candidate in Physics, Applied Physics, Astrophysics, or a closely related field.
- Master's degree considered for candidates with exceptional depth in a specific subdomain.
- Strong command of graduate-level physics concepts and mathematical formalism.
- Excellent written English and ability to express complex ideas clearly and concisely.
Preferred
- Experience with rigorous academic problem design or physics olympiad writing is a strong plus.
Application Process (Takes 20–30 mins to complete)
- Upload resume
- AI interview based on your resume
- Submit form
Resources & Support
For details about the interview process and platform information, please check:
For any help or support, reach out to:
PS: Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity.
Applied Physics PhD - Benchmark Expert in London employer: Mercor
At Mercor, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel in their roles. As a Remote Backend Engineer, you'll enjoy the flexibility of working from anywhere while collaborating with cutting-edge AI technology, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development. Our commitment to competitive compensation and a supportive environment makes Mercor an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding work in the tech industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Applied Physics PhD - Benchmark Expert in London
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Join online forums or local meetups related to scientific research in your area. Connecting with fellow researchers and academics can lead to part-time opportunities and give you insights into who's hiring, plus it’s a great way to showcase your passion for the field.
✨Utilise University Connections
If you're a student or recent graduate, tap into your university’s career services or research departments. They often have connections with local labs or companies looking for part-time research assistants – you might just find a role that suits you perfectly!
✨Follow Research Journals and Publications
Stay updated with the latest publications in your area of interest. Many researchers announce opportunities in their articles or on the journals' websites. If you spot a research group doing interesting work, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask if they're open to bringing someone on board part-time.
✨Apply Through Our Website
We've got loads of part-time opportunities in scientific research listed on our website, so make sure to check that out. It’s a straightforward way to apply and find roles that align with your skills and interests, plus we’re always keen on talented individuals like you joining our community!
We think you need these skills to ace Applied Physics PhD - Benchmark Expert in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Research Skills:For a part-time gig in scientific research like this one at Mercor, we want to see how you’ve handled research projects before. Highlight any lab techniques, statistical software, or methodologies you’ve employed. If you’ve contributed to research papers, make sure to mention that as well—it’s a big plus!
Tailor Your CV for the Research Community:When crafting your CV, let's make it specific to the scientific research field. Focus on relevant coursework, technical skills, and any certifications you might have—like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or safety training—and don’t forget to list your publications or presentations if applicable. This is your chance to impress us with your academic profile!
Highlight Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, it’s essential to be clear about your availability in your application. Let Mercor know how many hours you can commit and when you’re available to start. This shows that you’re organised and ready to jump in without any hassle!
Express Your Passion for Research:In your cover letter, let’s make your enthusiasm for scientific research shine! Talk about what excites you about the field and how joining Mercor fits into your career goals. It’s all about showing us that you’re not just looking for a job, but you’re eager to contribute to meaningful research!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mercor
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
When interviewing for a part-time role in scientific research, be ready to discuss specific research projects you've worked on. Bring along a portfolio that highlights your findings, methodologies, and any publications or presentations. We want to see your hands-on experience and how you've contributed to the scientific community!
✨Get Familiar with Relevant Techniques
Make sure you have a grasp on the technical skills and tools relevant to the specific area of research. Whether it’s lab techniques, data analysis software, or fieldwork methodologies, brush up on these topics as you may be asked to demonstrate your understanding or talk about how you've applied them in your previous experiences.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning
Part-time roles often open doors for fresh perspectives and new skills. Highlight your eagerness to learn within the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you can manage your time effectively while balancing work and studies, and show how you plan to absorb knowledge from your colleagues at Mercor.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Scientific research is often a team effort. Expect to discuss how you work within a team setting, particularly any challenges you've tackled alongside your peers. You might even be presented with a hypothetical scenario during the interview to see how you'd collaborate with the team at Mercor. Make sure you have a few examples ready!
