At a Glance
- Tasks: Create challenging physics problems to test AI models and evaluate their solutions.
- Company: Join Mercor, a leading talent marketplace connecting experts with top AI labs.
- Benefits: Earn $60-80/hr, work remotely, and enjoy flexible hours with potential for extension.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in frontier AI research while showcasing your physics expertise.
- Qualifications: IPhO experience or equivalent, strong LaTeX skills, and a deep understanding of physics concepts.
- Other info: Dynamic project with rolling start dates and weekly payments via Stripe Connect.
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, medalists, 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.
Required Qualifications
Note: Applicants must be highly proficient in writing and formatting documents using LaTeX. You are a good fit for the project if you have any of the following experiences: 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) or as a graduate researcher or educator experienced in designing advanced conceptual or quantitative problems in the sciences.
Other qualifications:
- 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.
More About the Opportunity
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 1β2 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 (20β30 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.
About Mercor
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. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics and provide reasonable accommodations upon request.
Physics Expert in London employer: Mercor
Contact Detail:
Mercor Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Physics Expert in London
β¨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to fellow physics experts, Olympiad participants, or even past colleagues. You never know who might have a lead on opportunities or can give you a heads-up about openings that aren't widely advertised.
β¨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you've got a portfolio of problems you've created or evaluated, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Itβs a great way to demonstrate your expertise and passion for the field.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common questions related to physics problem-solving and AI. Think about how you can articulate your thought process clearly and concisely, especially when discussing your experience with LaTeX.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows youβre serious about joining the team and contributing to exciting projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Physics Expert in London
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Off Your Physics Skills: Make sure your resume or CV highlights your physics background and any relevant achievements. We want to see your experience with IPhO or similar competitions, so donβt hold back on showcasing your medals or roles!
Get LaTeX Savvy: Since weβre all about precision and clarity, ensure youβre comfortable with LaTeX formatting. If youβve got examples of your work using LaTeX, include them in your application to impress us!
Be Clear and Concise: When detailing your experience writing problems and competing, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your reasoning shines through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itβs the easiest way for us to get your application and kickstart the process. Plus, it shows youβre keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mercor
β¨Know Your Physics Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your physics concepts, especially those related to Olympiad-style problems. Be prepared to discuss your experiences in competitions and how they relate to the role. This will show your passion and expertise.
β¨Show Off Your LaTeX Skills
Since LaTeX formatting is crucial for this position, practice writing out some physics problems and solutions in LaTeX before the interview. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency will give you an edge and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
β¨Prepare for Problem Evaluation
Think about how you would evaluate AI-generated solutions. Be ready to discuss logical flaws or incomplete reasoning in sample problems. This will highlight your analytical skills and understanding of problem complexity, which are key for this role.
β¨Communicate Clearly and Concisely
During the interview, focus on articulating your thoughts clearly. Practice explaining complex ideas in simple terms, as this will be essential when writing problems and solutions. Clear communication can set you apart from other candidates.