Computational Physics & Astrophysics Researcher (Task Author)
Listing checked October 16, 2026 · pay as published by AfterQuery
Overview
AfterQuery connects physics researchers with paid work authoring evaluation tasks that test AI models on real scientific computing. A task comes from work you have already run and debugged, such as a simulation, a numerical solver, a data-reduction pipeline, or a model fit. Each task contains a main problem, connected subproblems, a Python reference solution, and tests that check the outcome. The physics creates the difficulty, not missing information. Approved tasks pay $200 each, take about two hours, and have no cap on how many you accept.
What You'll Do5
- 1Write original research-grade evaluation tasks drawn from your own computational physics or astrophysics work.
- 2Shape each task into a main problem, related subproblems, a Python reference solution, and tests that verify results.
- 3Choose the metrics that define a strong solution while leaving exact passing thresholds out of the published task.
- 4Edit tasks after structured review feedback and keep revising until reviewers approve them.
- 5Take on optional peer review and calibrate tasks that other domain experts submit against a short rubric.
Requirements8
- 1Research-track Bachelor's student, Bachelor's student with research experience such as an REU, thesis, or RA role, Master's or PhD student, postdoc, or recent graduate in physics, astrophysics, applied physics, or a closely related field.
- 2Hands-on practice writing your own code, with Python as the preferred language, to simulate or analyze physical systems. Python or machine learning familiarity on its own does not meet this bar.
- 3Ability to turn your computational research into a well-specified task with a reference solution and tests.
- 4Capacity to manage task-based work on your own schedule without a fixed weekly commitment.
- 5Eligibility to work as an independent contractor without visa sponsorship. F-1 visa holders, including OPT and CPT, do not qualify.
- 6Research experience in AMO physics, photonics, fluid dynamics, or plasma physics (preferred).
- 7Public code, a thesis, or papers that show your computational work (preferred).
- 8Prior data annotation, data labeling, or AI/ML evaluation work (preferred).
Who Should Apply
Physics and astrophysics researchers who have written Python code to model, simulate, or analyze physical systems and can turn that work into a clear task with tests. The role fits advanced students, postdocs, and recent graduates who want flexible, task-based AI evaluation work. AMO, photonics, fluid dynamics, or plasma experience helps.
Salary Insight
The listing quotes $100.00/hr, and each approved task pays $200 for about two hours of work. No cap limits task volume, and no fixed weekly schedule applies, so your earnings follow the number of tasks you complete and get approved.
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Compensation
$100/hr
Required Skills
Application Tip
When you apply, link to research code you wrote and outline one calculation from your research that could become a task. Name the physics domain, the numerical method, and the result or metric you would test so reviewers can assess your fit.
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