Mercor · STEM & research
Physics PhD
Listed on Mercor as “Physics PhD”
What this actually is
You design problems that stump current AI models, evaluate AI reasoning against the correct answer, write rubrics, and provide expert feedback. Often the highest-paid category because the expertise pool is small. The platform title (Physics PhD) reflects the rate band and the expertise required, not the day-to-day work.
Can you do this on your visa?
F-2 / F-4 / F-5 / F-6: open. E-1 to E-7: needs concurrent-employment permit. D-2 / D-4 students: S-3 permit, 20 hr/week cap. D-10 / D-8: case by case.
Korean tax on USD income
First 5 years in Korea: foreign-source income only taxed if remitted into Korea. After year 5: worldwide income. Full tax guide.
Original posting from Mercor
Mercor is seeking Physics PhD’s (Graduated) specializing in one of the following sub-domains:
- Statistical Mechanics, Condensed Matter & AMO Physics
- Advanced Quantum, Electrodynamics & Classical Mechanics
- String theory, QFT, Particle physics & Nuclear physics
- General Relativity, Astrophysics & Cosmology
In this role, you will contribute your subject matter expertise to a cutting-edge project involving state-of-the-art large language models. Specifically, you will help create high-quality data that will inform the future of AI innovation by coming up with difficult problems in your domain.
You're a good fit if you:
- Hold a PhD in Physics
- Received your graduate degree in US/UK/Canada/Western Europe
- Have high attention to detail
- Have exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Have excellent proficiency in English
Here are more details about the role:
- The role is ongoing starting in February and continuing with rolling applications
- Experts are expected to contribute 4-6 tasks per week, each taking several hours to complete
- The work will require rigorous physics expertise and ability to follow complex instructions
Screening Process:
- You will need to complete a short AI interview and form - the whole application process should last 20-40 minutes
Quoted from Mercor’s public listing on 2026-07-07. We don’t edit platform copy; honest framing is in the title and the “what this actually is” block above.
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About Mercor
AI-interview-based talent network. One application, voice interview with their AI, then matched to projects across coding, research, and specialist work. Pay scales with track and seniority.
Mercor review: AI-interview talent network
4.1/5 on Glassdoor, fastest-growing platform in the category (+509% YoY). What the AI video interview actually asks, real pay across coding/research/medical/legal/finance tracks ($25-$200/hr), and the project-availability problem.
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