Computational Materials Science Researcher (Task Author)
Listing checked October 16, 2026 · pay as published by AfterQuery
Overview
AfterQuery seeks researchers to craft evaluation tasks for AI models based on their own computational materials science work. You'll design problems from simulations or analyses you've already run, like phase-field or CALPHAD models, atomistic simulations, or transport calculations. Each task includes a main problem, subproblems, a Python reference solution, and tests. The role is flexible and task-based, paying $200 per approved task (about two hours each).
What You'll Do6
- 1Author original evaluation tasks grounded in your own computational materials science work.
- 2Build each task with a main problem, connected subproblems, a Python reference solution, and tests that verify the result.
- 3Define the metrics that a strong solution should meet, without disclosing the exact passing thresholds.
- 4Revise tasks based on structured review feedback until they receive approval.
- 5You can also review and calibrate tasks submitted by other experts in your domain.
- 6Ensure task difficulty comes from the materials science itself, not from withheld information.
Requirements8
- 1You are a Bachelor's student on a research track (or have research experience like an REU, thesis, or RA/lab role), a Master's or PhD student, a postdoc, or a recent graduate in materials science, physics, chemistry, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field.
- 2You have written your own code, with Python as the preferred language, to model materials or analyze materials data. Running standard packages without your own scripting does not qualify.
- 3You can translate your computational research into a well-specified task with a reference solution and tests.
- 4You work on your own and manage your own time.
- 5You can work as an independent contractor without visa sponsorship. F-1 visa holders (including OPT/CPT) are not eligible.
- 6Preferred: research experience in phase-field or CALPHAD modeling, crystal plasticity, phonon transport, or energy materials.
- 7Preferred: public code, a thesis, or papers that demonstrate your computational work.
- 8Preferred: prior experience with data annotation, data labeling, or AI/ML evaluation.
Who Should Apply
The ideal candidate is a materials science, physics, or chemistry researcher (student, postdoc, or recent grad) who writes their own Python code for simulations or data analysis. You should have hands-on experience with modeling techniques like phase-field, CALPHAD, or atomistic simulations, and you enjoy breaking down your research into clear, testable problems.
Salary Insight
The listing offers $100 per hour, and each approved task pays $200 (about two hours of work). This rate sits at the higher end for expert AI evaluation work, matching the PhD-level materials science expertise required.
Location
Compensation
$100/hr
Required Skills
Application Tip
When you apply, include a concrete calculation from your research that could become a task, along with a link to the code you wrote for it. Show the main problem, subproblems, and a Python reference solution to demonstrate you can turn your work into a testable evaluation.
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