Materials Scientist (Nanoparticle Sizing & Lot Release)

$40–100/hr

rate as listed

Workload: ~15h/week
Engagement: Project-based
Location: Worldwide
Field: Sciences

Analyze TEM and SEM micrographs manually to size nanoparticles, characterize morphology, and support lot-release decisions. The work also includes validating measurement methods and documenting defensible material qualification findings for an AI training project.

The work

This remote contractor role focuses on manual evaluation of nanoparticle materials. Day to day, you may analyze TEM and SEM micrographs, calibrate image measurements, apply manual thresholds, calculate particle size distributions, assess complex morphologies, and cross-check results against technical references. Automated and AI-powered analysis tools are explicitly excluded from the workflow.

What the platform screens for

The screening is likely to test whether you can explain hands-on nanoparticle characterization work at a technically specific level. Expect follow-up on sampling choices, calibration, thresholding, treatment of agglomerates, reproducibility, and the translation of microscopy evidence into lot-release acceptance criteria. You should also be prepared to describe how you document uncertainty, resolve ambiguous images, and communicate a defensible qualification recommendation.

Practical details

The engagement is remote and structured as contractor work. The listing does not disclose typical weekly hours or confirm that all work is asynchronous. Because the scope includes technical discussions and verbal communication with project stakeholders, some scheduled participation may be required.

Pay band: $40–100/hr

What they look for

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Nanoparticle Sizing
Particle Size Distribution
Quality Control
Lot Release
Nanomaterials

Included with this listing

Interview prep — 10 questions

Matched to what this platform's screening actually measures. Answer each out loud in 60–90 seconds: claim → concrete example → implication.

What it tests: This tests whether your microscopy experience is hands-on and whether you can connect image acquisition or review conditions to a concrete characterization outcome.
A strong answer: Describe the material, imaging modality, sampling plan, measurement procedure, morphology categories, and final use of the results. Include specific decisions you made rather than only naming instruments or software.
Where people lose it: Candidates lose credibility when they describe general microscopy familiarity but cannot explain how particles were selected, measured, or classified in an actual project.

Summary, eligibility guidance and screening preparation are prepared by Sidequest from the platform's posting. Check the source listing before applying.