Materials Science Expert | Remote Job
Listing checked September 7, 2026 · pay as published by Micro1
Overview
This contract role places you at the center of an AI training project focused on computational materials science. You will create, solve, and validate engineering problems involving material structures, properties, and simulations. The work is fully remote and flexible, with about 15 hours per week. You will use Python and tools like LAMMPS, ASE, or pymatgen to build reproducible solutions that are both computationally sound and physically meaningful.
What You'll Do8
- 1Construct atomic models, material structures, and solver-ready inputs for a range of materials problems.
- 2Run simulations across atomistic, electronic-structure, molecular-dynamics, continuum, or electrochemical domains.
- 3Use Python to automate calculations, run parameter sweeps, and process simulation outputs.
- 4Analyze mechanical, thermal, electrical, chemical, or electrochemical properties from simulation results.
- 5Diagnose failed calculations, convergence issues, and numerical instabilities to distinguish computational errors from real physical behavior.
- 6Compare computational results with experimental data or literature values to validate accuracy.
- 7Review AI-generated solutions for scientific correctness and flag invalid assumptions or configurations.
- 8Develop reproducible reference solutions and objective verification methods for tasks.
Requirements8
- 1MS or PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgy, or a closely related field.
- 2MS or PhD in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering with a substantial materials specialization.
- 3Strong grasp of structure-property relationships and materials behavior.
- 4Hands-on experience with computational materials modeling, simulation, or characterization.
- 5Practical proficiency in Python, including libraries like NumPy, SciPy, pandas, or Matplotlib.
- 6Experience with at least one CLI-accessible scientific tool such as LAMMPS, Quantum ESPRESSO, or FEniCSx.
- 7Ability to justify modeling assumptions, parameters, and convergence criteria.
- 8Clear communication of complex scientific reasoning and technical limitations.
Who Should Apply
This role suits a materials scientist or engineer who enjoys the challenge of translating physical problems into code and validating results. You should be comfortable working independently and explaining your reasoning in writing. If your experience is limited to GUI-based tools, this position will not be a good fit, as every solution must be reproducible through scripts or command-line interfaces. Candidates who struggle to differentiate numerical artifacts from genuine material behavior often do not advance past the technical assessment.
Salary Insight
The pay rate is $80 to $130 per hour, based on output. You are paid per task that meets project specifications, and the time per task varies with your experience. No additional salary details are provided here; expect to discuss specifics during the hiring process.
Pay and demand for Machine Learning & AI roles
AggregatedTypical pay
$70/hour
This role
$80–$130/hr
Most Machine Learning & AI roles pay $50–$100 per hour. This role's pay sits above that range.
Based on 605 similar roles that publish pay · 102 publish only a top rate; those count at the rate they gave
Rates shown per hour. Yearly and monthly pay converted; one-time fees and non-USD pay are not included.
- Live similar roles
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- Listed in last 30 days
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Hiring most right now: micro1 (358) · SME Careers (111) · Mercor (101)
Most requested skills · share of roles
- python14%
- llm evaluation8%
- ai training6%
- quality assurance6%
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Compensation
$80–130/hr
Required Skills
Application Tip
In your application, highlight a specific project where you used Python to automate a materials simulation or analysis. Mention the tools you used (e.g., LAMMPS, ASE) and how you ensured the results were reproducible and physically valid.
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