Physics Expert PhD (Statistical Physics / Quantum Information / Condensed Matter)

What you'll do

The physics here sits on a famous bridge: the error threshold of the toric code maps onto the phase transition of a random-bond Ising model along the Nishimori line. The customer's benchmark works that territory, extended to replicated random-bond Ising and Ashkin-Teller models, and wants physicists who can solve, critique and compute through it.

The listed work:

• Expert analysis of replicated random-bond Ising and Ashkin-Teller models, the toric-code threshold and the Nishimori line
• Clear, documented solutions or critiques involving Kramers-Wannier duality, quenched disorder averaging, square-lattice self-duality and domain-wall free energy
• Numerical work, particularly 4-state Potts model simulations and their interpretation
• Working through problems involving noncontractible loop defects and related topological features
• Taking on Solver, Auditor or Adjudicator assignments according to your experience and subfield

The ad does not define the three roles; by the usual benchmark convention solvers write the reference answer, auditors check it independently and adjudicators settle disputes.

Who fits

• A PhD or equivalent experience in physics, specialising in statistical physics, quantum information or condensed matter theory
• Hands-on use of Kramers-Wannier duality, quenched disorder averaging and square-lattice self-duality in research
• Numerical experience with the 4-state Potts model and domain-wall free energy analysis
• Familiarity with topological codes, particularly the toric code and its threshold

This rewards people who straddle the two communities: a quantum error-correction theorist who knows the stat-mech mapping, or a disordered-systems physicist who has followed it into QEC.

Hours and location

Part-time and contractor, 5–10+ hours a week, fully flexible, including after hours and weekends. The ad says fully remote and open to candidates worldwide.

What it pays

$100–200/hour, micro1's published band and the top tier among its physics listings. At 5–10 hours a week that is roughly $500–2,000 a week if the hours are available; that is our arithmetic, and no compensation structure or project length is published.

Worth knowing

Good:

• Top-tier band with a $100 floor
• Open worldwide
• Designed as a side engagement at 5–10 hours a week
• Posted 17 days ago, fresher than most of micro1's physics roles
• No AI experience needed

Less good:

• Narrow intersection of fields; strength in only one side may not be enough
• A $100-wide band with no stated basis for placement
• No compensation structure or duration published
• A small weekly commitment: supplementary income, not a replacement
• 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 hours, the worldwide location and the topics are from the listing; the toric-code framing and the weekly-earnings range are ours. The broader Physics Expert (PhD / Postdoc) listing pays the same band across more subfields. See micro1.