Is this job worth applying to?

Pay

Above typicalTops out at $400/hr. The typical top rate across 106 priced science listings is $90/hr.

Getting in

Some screening~30–45 min: profile + AI interview. Computer with webcam and mic for the AI interview.

Steady work

Work is patchyLong waits between tasks are common.

Payout record

Some delaysSchedule: twice a month. Paid via micro1 platform wallet (contractor payments).

Freshness

RecentPosted 3w ago. Still listed on micro1 on Nov 6, 2026.

Where you live

Not statedThe listing names no country.

The job description

micro1 is engaging Principal Research Scientist (Computer Science / Computational Physics)s to contribute to an advanced customer project at the intersection of computational theory and AI. In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI systems. Your work will shape how models learn, reason, and perform through high-quality, real-world input. No prior experience in AI is required — your domain knowledge is what matters. You will work with frontier AI models and agents to tackle open problems, drive research direction, and define standards for scientific breakthroughs. Your insights and rigorous approach will be pivotal in charting what counts as genuine progress within your subfield.

Scope of Work

Identify, frame, and articulate foundational open problems, theoretical bounds, or simulation challenges where verifiable progress can be demonstrated.
Guide AI models and agents in multi-step research processes—ranging from proofs and algorithms to numerical experiments and high-performance simulations.
Critically assess and validate results, utilizing proof checks, computational reproduction, and formal methods to pinpoint the limits of model-generated reasoning.
Evaluate and document the novelty, correctness, and significance of research outputs relative to current literature and established results.
Produce clear, concise research memos detailing research attempts, partial solutions, and observed model limitations or failure patterns.
Advise on research directions, recommending promising subfields and open problems suitable for advancement via AI models and computational tools.

Preferred Qualifications

7 - 10+ years of active research in computer science or mathematical/computational physics, with a strong record of scholarly contributions.
Recognition at the field level—such as major prizes, society fellowships, or plenary/invited talks at top scholarly events.
A consistent publication record in leading venues within your domain, with recent results published in the past year.
Demonstrated success resolving named open problems or introducing influential concepts adopted by peers.
Deep, hands-on experience with computational research methods: simulation, numerical analysis, algorithmic implementation, and/or high-performance computing environments.
Proven ability to rigorously examine technical work outside your immediate area of expertise.
Experience on program committees, editorial boards, or with formal research tools (e.g., Lean, Coq, SAT/SMT solvers) is a strong plus, as is a public record of outlining open problems or showcasing research with advanced AI systems.

How do you apply to micro1?

Apply on micro1

The Apply button opens this post on micro1's own site. You apply with them, not with Rubric. Budget about 30–45 min: profile + AI interview.

Get through screening

What micro1 asks for after you apply:

Do the AI interview with Zara on a computer (not a phone)
Take any skill assessment and verify your identity
Wait to be matched to a project and sign the contract

Start work and get paid

Pay schedule: twice a month. Paid via micro1 platform wallet (contractor payments). You're paid for the work they hand out, not a fixed salary.

micro1 also needs

Computer with webcam and mic for the AI interview
Relevant degree or work history for expert roles

Red flags

Red flagWeeks of silence after the AI interview
Red flagContracts signed but no onboarding or tasks
Red flagProjects ending or changing scope without notice

What is micro1 like to work for?

Recruiting company that vets experts with an AI interviewer (Zara) and staffs them on contract AI-training and evaluation projects for AI labs.

Advertised pay	$15–135/hr
Getting in	Some screening
Application takes	~30–45 min: profile + AI interview
How you get paid	Twice a month, via micro1 platform wallet (contractor payments)
Payout record	Some delays
Countries	Recruits globally with heavy hiring in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe; India-based applicants are eligible for many roles.

Generalist and annotation roles start around $15–30/hr; coding, STEM and law/medicine roles commonly list $40–90/hr and occasionally more.