Physics Expert (AMO / Quantum Information)

What you'll do

This is benchmark work for quantum optics. The customer is building a set of research-level problems that an AI model should be able to solve, and needs physicists who can produce, check and rule on the reference answers.

The physics is specific: cascaded optical parametric amplifiers, SU(1,1) interferometers, and what happens to them under loss and two-mode squeezing. In the work you would:

• Model cascaded OPAs and SU(1,1) interferometric set-ups with realistic loss
• Use Bogoliubov transformations and covariance-matrix methods to quantify correlations and noise
• Derive and interpret sideband photocurrent spectra under homodyne detection
• Build, and critique, loss models using fictitious beamsplitters
• Use squeeze-parameter hyperbolic identities to characterise squeezing and entanglement in lossy systems

Solver, Auditor or Adjudicator

The ad says contributors may take one of three roles, assigned by subfield, experience and demonstrated hands-on ability with these methods. The ad does not define them, but the names follow a common benchmark pattern: a Solver works the problem and writes the reference solution, an Auditor independently checks someone else's solution, and an Adjudicator settles disagreements between the two. If you have refereed papers, auditing and adjudicating will feel familiar; if you mostly compute, solving is the natural fit.

Who fits

• A PhD or equivalent experience in AMO physics, quantum optics or quantum information science
• Real fluency with Bogoliubov transformations, the covariance-matrix formalism and quantum noise analysis
• Hands-on work with sideband spectra, homodyne detection and optical loss modelling
• Practical use of the squeeze-parameter hyperbolic identities
• Familiarity with cascaded parametric amplifiers, SU(1,1) interferometry or two-mode squeezing is "highly valued"

The ad stresses demonstrated hands-on ability. General quantum information theory without continuous-variable optics experience is unlikely to be enough.

What it pays

$80–160/hour, micro1's published figure. The top is double the bottom, and the ad does not say what decides placement; the Solver, Auditor and Adjudicator split may well be part of it, but that is our inference. No compensation structure, weekly hours or project length is stated.

For comparison, micro1's sister listing for AMO / Optical Properties of Materials pays $100–200/hour.

Worth knowing

Good:

• A well-defined problem set: you can tell from the ad alone whether it is your field
• The top of the band is strong for part-time expert work
• No country restriction stated, and no AI experience required
• Refereeing experience maps directly onto the auditor and adjudicator roles

Less good:

• Very narrow: continuous-variable quantum optics specifically
• A 2x pay spread with no published basis for placement
• No hours, duration or pay structure published
• Posted two months ago with ten openings, so check it is still taking applicants
• Contractor engagement: no benefits, no notice period, your own tax to manage

About this listing

Posted by micro1 on its own jobs portal and read on 24 September 2026. The band, the ten openings, the methods and the three assignment roles are from the listing; the description of what each role involves is our reading of the names, not micro1's definition. See micro1.