Computational Physics & Astrophysics Researcher (Task Author)

Turn computational work from your own physics research into paid evaluation tasks for AI models. Open to research-track Bachelor's students, Master's and PhD students, postdocs, and recent graduates.

AfterQuery is building a network of researchers to author and validate research-grade scientific-computing tasks for AI models.

A strong task is a real piece of computational work from your own research, something you've actually run and debugged: a simulation, a numerical solver, a data-reduction pipeline, or a model fit you implemented and validated. Each task has a main problem, a few connected subproblems, a Python reference solution, and tests that check the result. The difficulty should come from the physics itself, not from withheld information.

We're looking for researchers in: condensed-matter and statistical physics; atomic, molecular, and optical physics; photonics and electromagnetics; astrophysics, cosmology, and gravitation; nuclear, particle, and plasma physics; fluid dynamics and nonlinear physics; and continuum mechanics.

Requirements

Education: A Bachelor's student on a research track or with research experience (such as an REU, a thesis, or an RA or lab role), a Master's or PhD student, a postdoc, or a recent graduate in physics, astrophysics, applied physics, or a closely related field.

Technical: Hands-on experience writing your own code, preferably Python, to simulate or analyze physical systems. Familiarity with Python or machine learning alone isn't enough.

Work authorization: Must be able to work as an independent contractor without visa sponsorship. Students on F-1 visas (including OPT/CPT) are not eligible.

Contract and pay

Flexible, independent-contractor work: $200 per approved task, about 2 hours each, with no cap on how many tasks you take on. Tasks go through review, and you may also review other experts' tasks against a short rubric.

All accepted experts undergo standard background and identity verification.

Why Apply

Work on your own schedule: task-based, not a fixed hourly commitment

Contribute directly to how AI models are evaluated on real, expert-level scientific work

Paid, flexible work: $200 per approved task (about 2 hours each), no cap on how many you take on

Responsibilities

Design and author original research-grade evaluation tasks based on your own computational work

Specify the metrics a strong solution should be judged by, without publishing the exact passing thresholds

Revise tasks based on structured review feedback until they're approved

Optionally review and calibrate tasks submitted by other experts in your domain

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's student on a research track or with research experience, Master's or PhD student, postdoc, or recent graduate in physics, astrophysics, applied physics, or a closely related field

Has written their own code, preferably in Python, to simulate or analyze physical systems

Able to turn your own computational research into a well-specified task with a reference solution and tests

Able to work independently and manage your own time. This is flexible, task-based work with no fixed weekly schedule

Preferred Qualifications

Research experience in AMO physics, photonics, fluid dynamics, or plasma physics

Public code, a thesis, or papers that show your computational work

Prior experience in data annotation, data labeling, or AI/ML evaluation work

About AfterQuery

AfterQuery is a research lab investigating the boundaries of artificial intelligence through novel datasets and experimentation. We believe great AI comes from exceptional, human-generated data.

We're backed by top investors, including Y Combinator and Box Group, and support all leading AI labs.

Apply today to contribute to pushing the frontier of AI.

Apply here: https://experts.afterquery.com/apply/computational-physics-researcher