Physics Expert

Opportunity Overview Handshake is looking for experienced computational and theoretical physicists to support AI research through flexible, part-time contract work. This is not a traditional job — you'll draw on your hands-on experience in numerical simulation, scientific computing, or your physics subfield to evaluate AI-generated content and provide feedback that helps AI reason like a practicing physicist.

This is an ongoing, project-based opportunity you can take on alongside your current role.

What You'll Do

• Use your domain expertise to create expert-level physics problems and scenarios grounded in real simulation, modeling, and computational workflows
• Review and evaluate AI-generated responses for technical accuracy, numerical rigor, and alignment with how the work is actually done
• Provide structured written feedback to help improve AI model performance
• Complete tasks at your own pace with no set schedule or minimum hour requirement

Qualifications Ideal candidates meet all three of the following:

• Industry/research experience — first-author publications in a computational subfield or 2+ years of hands-on industry experience

• Degree — PhD in Physics, with a computational or theoretical focus

• Sub-domain depth — demonstrated expertise in one of the following areas:

• Numerical simulation, PDE/ODE solvers, and Monte Carlo methods

• HPC and scientific computing (NumPy/SciPy, C++/Fortran)

• A core subfield such as condensed matter, astrophysics, high-energy physics, or fluid dynamics

Candidates who meet at least 2 of the 3 qualifications above are also encouraged to apply.

Additional Qualifications (not Required, But Strengthen Your Application)

• Proficiency running large-scale simulations on HPC clusters across multiple scientific computing environments
• Experience with lattice methods or other specialized techniques within your subfield

Required For All Applicants

• Must have US work authorization
• Strong written communication and attention to detail
• Ability to explain complex physics concepts clearly
• Ability to work independently in a remote, asynchronous environment

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