Stochastic Biophysics Research Physicist
Listing checked September 25, 2026 · pay as published by Mercor
Overview
CritPt tests whether frontier AI models can reason through real physics research, not textbook exercises. The benchmark paper at arXiv:2509.26574 explains the scope, and Mercor asks you to read it before applying. You join a narrow panel on stochastic autocatalytic growth, covering the chemical master equation, stochastic Hinshelwood cycles, branching processes, circulant matrix spectra, and moment hierarchies. Assignments range from creating research-level problems to solving, reviewing, or auditing them, with every deliverable written so another specialist can verify the argument. The engagement runs 10 hours per week over 8 to 10 weeks, remote and asynchronous.
What You'll Do7
- 1Build research-level physics problems around stochastic autocatalytic growth, reaction networks, and related stochastic phenomena.
- 2Solve assigned problems using the chemical master equation, generating-function methods, or branching-process techniques.
- 3Write complete reasoning that another specialist in your subfield can follow and verify.
- 4Review completed physics work for correctness, method fit, and clarity of argument.
- 5Audit submissions against the benchmark's standards and the source methods you declared.
- 6Agree the specific assignment and panel area with Mercor once your publication record matches.
- 7Deliver work on a 10-hour weekly schedule across the 8 to 10 week project window.
Requirements9
- 1PhD in biophysics, statistical physics, applied mathematics, or a closely related field.
- 2Published work on stochastic growth or reaction-network dynamics itself, not biophysics as a broad label.
- 3At least one methods family from your own papers: chemical master equation and stochastic Hinshelwood cycle, multi-type branching processes and circulant matrix spectra, moment hierarchies for reaction networks, or generating-function methods.
- 4Three to five representative papers with arXiv IDs or DOIs, from the last five years when possible.
- 5First-author role on those papers, though co-authored work with clear contribution can qualify.
- 6Working skill with LaTeX, Python, SymPy, and Jupyter.
- 7Some familiarity with an agentic coding extension in VS Code helps, but gaps are acceptable if you state them.
- 8English at B2 level or above, with strong written reasoning.
- 9Postdoctoral researchers, research scientists, and junior faculty fit best. Senior PhD students need a strong first-author record.
Who Should Apply
Apply if you hold a PhD and your publication list centers on stochastic autocatalytic growth, reaction-network dynamics, or the chemical master equation. The role suits postdocs, research scientists, junior faculty, and senior PhD students with a clear first-author record. You should enjoy writing detailed arguments that another physicist can check, and you must point to your own arXiv or DOI papers as proof. The panel is a poor fit for general biophysicists who have not published on the specific phenomenon, for candidates without verifiable papers, or for anyone who cannot explain methods in clear English. Applications often lose points when the form lists a method without a matching paper, or when the submitted paper does not show the required stochastic growth or reaction-network work.
Salary Insight
The rate is $80 to $110 per hour, with the final number tied to how deep your subdomain match runs. That range sits at the expert research level for PhD contract work, and the upper end tends to go to physicists whose publications map onto stochastic autocatalytic growth and related methods. Mercor sets hours at 10 per week across an 8 to 10 week window.
Location
Compensation
$80–110/hr
Required Skills
Application Tip
Before you apply, read arXiv:2509.26574 and pick the paper you will submit. In the form, give the arXiv ID or DOI, your author position, and the exact method family it demonstrates, such as chemical master equation, branching processes, or generating-function methods. Tie that paper to stochastic autocatalytic growth or reaction-network dynamics in one sentence. Reviewers score that proof first.
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