STEM Computational Scientific Software & Evaluation Design - Astrophysics & Cosmology

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a STEM Computational Scientific Software & Evaluation Design - Astrophysics & Cosmology based in Canada.

This role sits at the intersection of astrophysics research, computational science, and AI evaluation design, where you will build advanced scientific problem benchmarks used to test frontier AI systems. You will design graduate-level computational tasks grounded in real astrophysical and cosmological workflows, leveraging scientific libraries and simulation tools. The work focuses on creating challenges that go beyond computation, emphasizing reasoning, experimental design, and data interpretation under realistic scientific constraints. You will iterate on problem difficulty by testing against state-of-the-art models and refining based on calibration feedback. The environment is highly technical, research-driven, and collaborative with experts in AI and scientific computing. This is a unique opportunity to directly shape how next-generation AI systems understand and reason about the universe.

Accountabilities:

• Design advanced computational astrophysics and cosmology problems using real scientific workflows, including simulations, observational data pipelines, and cosmological calculations.
• Develop evaluation tasks that test AI systems’ ability to use tools such as astropy and related scientific computing libraries.
• Create multi-step reasoning challenges involving data interpretation, hidden-variable inference, and experimental strategy design.
• Implement and refine problem setups, oracle functions, and validation logic using Python.
• Iterate on task difficulty through calibration cycles with frontier AI models to ensure appropriate challenge levels.
• Analyze failure modes of models to improve robustness, clarity, and scientific rigor of evaluation tasks.
• Collaborate in refining benchmark design standards for scientific reasoning and computational problem-solving.

Requirements:

• Graduate-level education (Master’s, PhD, or equivalent research experience) in Astrophysics, Cosmology, Physics, or a closely related STEM field.
• Strong hands-on experience using scientific computing tools such as astropy and related astrophysical or cosmological software libraries.
• Proven ability to apply computational methods to real research problems, ideally demonstrated through publications, research projects, or open-source contributions.
• Advanced Python programming skills for scientific computing, simulation workflows, and evaluation tooling.
• Deep understanding of astrophysical modeling, cosmological calculations, or observational data analysis techniques.
• Ability to distinguish genuinely challenging scientific reasoning problems from superficially complex ones.
• Comfort working independently in Linux/terminal-based environments and remote compute systems.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem design intuition, and iterative experimentation mindset.
• Availability of at least 15–20 hours per week for ongoing project work.

Benefits:

• Competitive hourly compensation ranging from $70 to $100 per hour
• Fully remote, flexible contract work adaptable to your schedule
• Opportunity to contribute directly to frontier AI evaluation and scientific benchmarking research
• Exposure to cutting-edge AI systems and collaboration with leading researchers in the field
• Project-based engagement with potential for extension based on performance and needs
• Weekly payments processed via Stripe or Wise
• High-impact work shaping the future of scientific reasoning in AI systems
• Independent contractor arrangement with full autonomy over working hours

How Jobgether works: We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team. We appreciate your interest and wish you the best! Why Apply Through Jobgether? Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time. #LI-CL1