PhD Physicist

What you'll do

This is the broad, generalist entry point to micro1's physics work. Where most of the physics listings on the board are pinned to one narrow research problem, this one asks for a working physicist who can explain and judge physics across the field.

The ad describes three strands:

• Explaining. Writing detailed, clear explanations of complex physical concepts that are used to instruct and evaluate AI systems. Think of the explanation you would give a strong graduate student, written down carefully enough that a grader could check it.
• Building material. Helping create and curate physics-related educational content for AI training modules.
• Reviewing. Reading AI-generated physics and assessing it for conceptual accuracy, clarity and scientific rigour, then giving written (and sometimes verbal) feedback as part of an iterative loop.

The ad also mentions research into current developments and interpreting experimental data. In practice, on projects like this, that tends to mean checking that the explanations and model answers reflect the field as it stands rather than a textbook from twenty years ago; the ad does not say how much original research, if any, is expected.

Who fits

• A PhD in physics or a closely related scientific discipline
• A record of rigorous research, ideally with peer-reviewed publications
• A solid foundation in both theoretical and experimental physics
• Clear written and spoken communication, and a real interest in teaching or outreach
• University or advanced undergraduate teaching experience helps
• Comfort working remotely with a multidisciplinary project team

Everything is listed as "preferred" rather than required, and no years of experience, subfield or country restriction is stated. No prior AI experience is needed.

If you have lectured or run tutorials, you have the most relevant skill already: spotting the plausible-sounding wrong answer and explaining precisely why it is wrong.

What it pays

$70–90/hour, micro1's published band. That is a narrow $20 spread, so there is less guesswork about where you will land than on most micro1 listings.

It is also the lowest band among micro1's physics listings: the subfield-specific Physics Expert roles run $80–160, $100–170 or $100–200/hour. The trade is breadth. This role does not ask you to be one of a handful of people who can do a specific calculation.

The ad does not say whether pay is hourly or per accepted task, and states no weekly hours, duration or start date.

Worth knowing

Good:

• 100 openings, marked high demand, the largest intake of any physics role on the board
• Generalist: no specific subfield or technique is demanded
• A narrow, predictable pay band
• Teaching experience is valued, which suits lecturers and postdocs who teach
• No country restriction stated

Less good:

• The lowest pay among micro1's physics listings; specialists will earn more on the subfield roles
• No hours, duration or compensation structure published
• The ad was posted two months ago; with 100 openings it may still be filling, but check it is live
• Contractor engagement: no benefits, no notice period, your own tax to manage
• The customer is not named

About this listing

Posted by micro1 on its own jobs portal and read on 24 September 2026. The $70–90/hour band, the 100 openings and the qualifications above come from the listing; the comparison with the other physics bands is ours, from micro1's own published figures. If you specialise in AMO physics, see the AMO / Optical Properties of Materials listing, which pays $100–200/hour. See micro1.