Physics Expert (Biophysics / Statistical Physics)

What you'll do

The problem at the centre of this listing is a classic of quantitative microbiology: how fast does a bacterial population grow when individual cells switch stochastically between two growth rates, and when cell division itself is noisy? You would help build and verify research-level answers to questions in that space, which a customer uses to train and test AI models.

Concretely, the ad lists:

• Modelling stochastic two-state Markov processes with gamma-distributed waiting times in population dynamics
• Using the Euler-Lotka equation to benchmark asymptotic population growth rates under different noise regimes
• Developing or reviewing perturbative expansions in small division-noise variance, and checking their predictions
• Applying renewal theory and first-passage-time analysis to growth and cell-size regulation noise
• Documenting method, assumptions and results clearly enough for someone else to reproduce them

On benchmark work, a correct answer with an undocumented approximation is still a problem, because an auditor has to be able to follow every step.

Who fits

• Advanced expertise in statistical physics, biophysics or quantitative modelling of stochastic biological processes
• Hands-on work with two-state Markov models and gamma-distributed waiting times
• A strong command of the Euler-Lotka equation, perturbative expansions and renewal theory in growth dynamics
• First-passage-time analysis, and the judgement to read what it implies for growth-rate fluctuations and size control

The ad does not name a degree, but assignments go by subfield, seniority and hands-on experience. Theorists from cell-size control and bacterial growth-law work are the obvious fit; a general stat-mech background may need the biology to go with it.

Solver, Auditor or Adjudicator

Contributors may be considered for one or more of three roles. micro1 does not define them on this ad; by the usual benchmark convention, solvers produce reference solutions, auditors check them independently and adjudicators resolve disputes.

What it pays

$80–160/hour, the same band as micro1's AMO / Quantum Information and Condensed Matter / Magnetic Materials physics listings. No compensation structure, weekly hours or duration is stated, and nothing says how placement within the band is decided.

Worth knowing

Good:

• One of the few AI training roles anywhere that asks specifically for mathematical biophysics
• A sharply defined problem, so self-assessment is easy
• No country restriction stated, and no AI background needed
• Up to $160/hour at the top

Less good:

• Narrow: if your stochastic-process work is not in population or growth dynamics, the fit is weaker
• A 2x band with no stated basis for placement
• No hours, duration or pay mechanics published
• Posted two months ago; check it is still open
• 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 and the methods are from the listing; the framing of the problem and the role descriptions are our reading. See micro1.