Research Scientist - Computer Science & Computational Physics

$100–400/hr

rate as listed

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

Use frontier AI systems to investigate open problems, develop algorithms, test proofs, and run computational studies in computer science or computational physics. The work also requires checking results against formal evidence and recent literature, then documenting both progress and failure modes.

The work

Researchers propose tractable questions from their subfield, then use frontier models and agents to explore proofs, algorithms, numerical methods, or computational simulations. Day-to-day work may include reproducing numerical results, checking proofs, implementing algorithms, comparing findings with recent papers, and recording methods, partial results, and unresolved issues for senior researchers.

What the platform screens for

micro1 is looking for advanced research standing in computer science or mathematical/computational physics, preferably as a late-stage PhD candidate, postdoctoral researcher, or early-career academic within 0–5 years after the PhD. The screening is likely to examine recent top-venue publications, contributions to named open problems or novel concepts, computational implementation experience, and the ability to distinguish a genuinely new result from an error or a known result. Awards, conference reviewing, experience with frontier models or agents, use of tools such as Lean or SAT/SMT solvers, and a public research statement or homepage are preferred signals rather than stated universal requirements.

Working arrangement

This is a remote contractor role with flexible part-time or full-time participation. The listing does not specify fixed weekly hours, time-zone overlap, or whether all collaboration is asynchronous, so candidates should be ready to state their realistic availability and clarify scheduling during the process. No prior AI experience is required.

Pay band: $100–400/hr

What they look for

Computational rigor
Complex problem solving - Research
Problem framing

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 checks whether your research standing and recent output can be verified and whether your specialty fits computer science or mathematical/computational physics.
A strong answer: Give your precise position and dates, define your subfield narrowly, and identify one recent paper or result with your personal contribution, venue, and evidence of impact or correctness. Distinguish your own work from that of collaborators.
Where people lose it: Candidates lose points by reciting a broad biography without naming a recent result, publication, or individually attributable contribution.

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