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 Research Scientists in Computer Science & Computational Physics to help advance a customer’s high-impact research project. 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.

Scope of Work

Identify and propose open problems, new bounds, or tractable research challenges in your subfield for rigorous investigation.
Conduct structured research using frontier AI models and agents to attempt proofs, develop algorithms, or run computational simulations.
Systematically verify research outputs by checking proofs, reproducing numerical results, or employing formal tools.
Assess findings for novelty and correctness in direct comparison with recent literature and published results.
Document methodologies, partial results, and encountered challenges through clear and thorough written reports.
Highlight promising new directions and discoveries for deeper exploration by senior research professionals.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced standing in research: late-stage PhD candidate, postdoctoral researcher, or early-career academic (0–5 years post-PhD) in computer science or mathematical/computational physics.
Recognized by peer community for research excellence, such as best paper or dissertation awards at leading venues (e.g., STOC, FOCS, SODA, PLDI, SC).
Strong publication track record within the past three years, including multiple top-venue papers and recent results addressing named open problems or introducing novel concepts.
Hands-on expertise in computational methods, encompassing simulation, numerical analysis, and algorithmic implementation.
Experience reviewing or sub-reviewing for prominent conferences in your specialty is a plus.
Background in leveraging frontier models, agents, or formal computational tools (e.g., Lean, SAT/SMT solvers) in scholarly work.
Publicly shared research statement or homepage outlining specific open problems currently under investigation.

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.