Physics Expert (AMO / Optical Properties of Materials) - Remote

Physics Expert (AMO / Atomic Structure & Optical Properties)

Role Type: Part-Time Contractor
Location: Fully Remote, Worldwide
Schedule: 5–10+ hours/week, Flexible

Role Overview

micro1 is engaging Physics Experts specializing in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physics to contribute to a specialized AI training project focused on atomic structure, spectroscopy, polarizability, and optical properties.

You'll apply your advanced physics expertise to evaluate, explain, and solve technical problems involving atomic-structure calculations and quantum-mechanical methods. No prior AI experience is required—your scientific expertise is what matters.

Scope of Work

• Provide expert-level insights into AMO physics, atomic structure, spectroscopy, and optical properties.
• Review and analyze ab initio configuration interaction (CI) methods for calculating atomic polarizability.
• Evaluate and discuss atomic-structure calculations for Yb-171 and Yb-174.
• Analyze electronic states, energy levels, transition properties, and relevant spectroscopic data.
• Identify and explain σ (sigma) vs. π (pi) transitions where applicable, including orbital symmetry and transition selection rules.
• Apply knowledge of electric-dipole transitions, parity, angular momentum, and selection rules to atomic and molecular systems.
• Critically review scientific reasoning, computational approaches, and calculated results.
• Participate in adaptive spoken AI interviews, answering one technical question at a time with clear, scientifically rigorous explanations.
• Provide concrete examples based on legally shareable research, publications, simulations, or projects.

Required Skills

• AMO / Atomic Physics
• Ab Initio Configuration Interaction
• Atomic Polarizability Calculations
• Atomic-Structure Calculations
• Yb-171 / Yb-174
• Quantum Mechanical Methods
• Atomic Spectroscopy & Selection Rules
• Sigma (σ) vs. Pi (π) Transition Identification
• Electronic Structure & Energy-Level Analysis
• Scientific Communication

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's, PhD, or equivalent advanced expertise in Physics, preferably specializing in AMO physics, atomic structure, quantum chemistry, or optical physics.
• Hands-on experience with ab initio atomic-structure or quantum-chemistry calculations.
• Strong understanding of configuration interaction methods and polarizability calculations.
• Experience working with ytterbium (Yb) atomic systems, particularly Yb-171 and Yb-174.
• Knowledge of atomic spectroscopy, transition probabilities, selection rules, angular momentum, and parity.
• Ability to distinguish and explain σ and π transitions using orbital symmetry and transition characteristics.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to explain complex physics concepts clearly and rigorously.

Engagement

• Part-time, contract-based
• Fully remote
• Flexible working hours
• Approximately 5–10+ hours per week
• Opportunities to work outside standard hours, including evenings and weekends
• Candidates worldwide are welcome