Computational Physics & Astrophysics Researcher (Task Author)

What you'll do

You take computational physics you have run and debugged (a simulation, a numerical solver, a data-reduction pipeline or a model fit) and write it up as an evaluation task for AI models. A task has a main problem, a few connected subproblems, a Python reference solution and tests; the ad wants the difficulty to come from the physics itself.

You also define the metrics for a strong solution without publishing exact passing thresholds, revise after structured review feedback, and may optionally review and calibrate other experts' tasks.

The ad lists these areas: 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.

Who fits

• A research-track Bachelor's student (REU, thesis, RA or lab role), Master's or PhD student, postdoc or recent graduate in physics, astrophysics, applied physics or a closely related field
• Hands-on experience writing your own code, preferably Python, to simulate or analyse physical systems; the ad says familiarity with Python or machine learning alone is not enough
• Able to turn your research into a well-specified task with a reference solution and tests, and to manage your own time
• Preferred: research in AMO physics, photonics, fluid dynamics or plasma physics; public code, a thesis or papers; prior annotation, labelling or AI/ML evaluation experience
• Independent contractor without visa sponsorship; F-1 students (including OPT/CPT) are not eligible

What it pays

The board headlines $100/hr. The ad pays $200 per approved task, about 2 hours each, with no cap on tasks. Approval is required, so revision rounds reduce the effective hourly figure.

The ad does not publish payment terms; the AfterQuery company page explains how AfterQuery pays contractors.

What applying involves

All required: institutional affiliation(s), current degree programme, year and field, a link to research code, work authorization, and a calculation from your research that could become a task. The ad states accepted experts go through standard background and identity verification.

Worth knowing

Good:

• Flexible, task-based work with no weekly schedule
• Seven broad physics areas, from condensed matter to cosmology and plasma physics
• Open to research-track undergraduates and recent graduates

Less good:

• Pay depends on a task being approved
• Python or ML familiarity alone does not qualify; you need your own simulation or analysis code
• F-1 students (including OPT/CPT) are excluded and there is no visa sponsorship
• You must supply code and a candidate calculation in the application

About this listing

Read from the AfterQuery Experts board on 18 October 2026; posted on the board 16 October 2026. Pay and eligibility are AfterQuery's own text. See AfterQuery.