Physics Expert (Biophysics / Statistical Physics)

$80–160/hrrate as listed

micro1 is contracting physics experts to build and audit research-level solutions on stochastic bacterial population dynamics — two-state growth-rate switching, cell-size regulation noise, and asymptotic growth rates. Work is documented in detail so AI systems can be trained on the reasoning, not just the answer.

Summary, eligibility guidance and screening preparation are prepared by Sidequest from the platform's posting. Check the source listing before applying.

What the work involves

This is a research-level modeling project, not annotation. You'll be handed problems in stochastic population dynamics — two-state Markov switching with gamma-distributed waiting times, division-noise perturbation expansions, first-passage-time formulations of cell-size control — and asked to produce complete, defensible derivations. Typical outputs include an Euler–Lotka benchmark of the asymptotic growth rate under a specified noise regime, a perturbative expansion to a stated order in division-noise variance, and a written account of every assumption, limit, and approximation you invoked along the way.

micro1 routes contributors into one or more assignments based on subfield depth and seniority:

Solver — produce the derivation, model, or numerical validation from scratch.
Auditor — check another expert's work for algebraic error, unstated assumptions, misapplied limits, or claims the math doesn't support.
Adjudicator — resolve disagreements between a solver and an auditor, and explain which reasoning path is correct and why.

The documentation is the deliverable as much as the result. A correct final expression with a hand-waved intermediate step is generally worth less to this project than a carefully staged argument, because the training signal lives in the reasoning chain.

What the screen looks for

No AI experience is required, and the platform says so plainly — domain depth is the filter. Expect an AI-led interview that asks you to name specific systems you've modeled, then follows up on the details: which waiting-time distribution you assumed and why, how you handled the renewal-theoretic bookkeeping, what broke when noise wasn't small. Vague familiarity with the vocabulary tends to surface quickly under follow-up. Evaluation judgment is also probed: can you tell a genuine error from a defensible modeling choice you'd have made differently?

Logistics

Contractor engagement, fully remote, asynchronous. Work arrives in batches and hours are self-scheduled; contributors commonly report 10–20 hours per week, though volume varies with project phase. Observed pay for this listing is $80–160/hr, with placement in the band reflecting seniority and assignment type — adjudication and audit work typically sits higher. Rates are as observed on the platform and are not guaranteed.

What they look for

Physics
stochastic two-state Markov processes with gamma-distributed waiting times
Euler-Lotka equation
perturbative expansion in small division-noise variance
renewal theory
first-passage-time analysis

Before you apply

Would you pass this screen?

Drawn from what this listing actually requires. Answered in your browser — nothing is sent to us, and we do not store your answers.

Do you hold a master's degree or doctorate in physics, biophysics, applied mathematics, or a related quantitative biological field?
Advanced degree in physics, biophysics, or quantitative biology · required
Have you built, fitted, or analyzed a two-state or multi-state Markov model in biological or physical research, either as part of a degree, publication, or professional project?
Hands-on experience with Markov models or stochastic simulation · required
Have you used the Euler-Lotka integral equation, renewal theory, or first-passage-time analysis in your own research or coursework?
Familiarity with Euler-Lotka equation or renewal theory · preferred
Do you have reliable access to a stable internet connection and a computing environment (laptop or workstation) suitable for running simulations and numerical analysis?
Remote work capability · required
Can you write clear, technical documentation in English, including mathematical notation and methodological explanation?
English communication for documentation · preferred

0 of 5 answered

Included with this listing

Interview prep — 12 questions

Matched to what this platform's screening actually measures. Answer each out loud in 60–90 seconds: claim → concrete example → implication.

What it tests: Whether you have hands-on, not textbook-only, experience building and fitting two-state Markov models to real data, and whether you understand the practical difference between assumed and empirically estimated transition rates.
A strong answer: Name a concrete system (bacterial phenotype switching, enzyme kinetics, ion channel gating, etc.), describe the actual data source and fitting method you used, and explain how you tested whether the Markov assumption held and whether your inferred rates matched independent measurements.
Where people lose it: Describing a two-state model in purely theoretical or pedagogical terms without mentioning real data, actual parameter values, or a method for validation. Candidates who have only solved textbook problems will struggle here.