AI Tutor, Physical Chemistry Specialist (Contract, Remote)

Position Overview

As an AI Tutor, Physical Chemistry Specialist, you will play a vital role in shaping how advanced AI models understand and communicate complex concepts in thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and chemical kinetics. Leveraging your deep knowledge of physical chemistry and molecular science, you’ll evaluate and improve AI-generated content to ensure scientific accuracy, conceptual clarity, and educational value. Your work will directly support the training of large language models (LLMs) used in academic, industrial, and research settings.

This is a contract remote position with variable time commitments. The services to be provided by the Contractor under this agreement are supplementary and not integral to the Handshake’s primary business operations. The Contractor’s services are distinct and separate from the core business activities of Handshake.

Responsibilities

• Use internal tools to review and refine AI-generated responses related to physical chemistry and molecular sciences.
• Assess outputs for technical correctness, theoretical soundness, and clarity in areas such as spectroscopy, quantum theory, and reaction mechanisms.
• Curate high-quality datasets used for training and fine-tuning AI models in the physical sciences.
• Identify model blind spots, edge cases, and inconsistent or misleading explanations in physical chemistry topics.
• Collaborate with cross-functional AI teams to improve content quality and scientific alignment.

Requirements

• Education: PhD or MS in Physical Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry, Chemical Physics, or a closely related field.
• Alternatively: 3+ years of professional experience in academic research or chemical modeling.
• Expertise:
  • Quantum chemistry
  • Thermodynamics
  • Kinetics
  • Spectroscopy
  • Statistical mechanics
• Skills:
  • Strong written communication skills, especially for explaining complex theoretical concepts clearly.
  • Ability to critically evaluate technical content and provide detailed, constructive feedback.
  • Comfortable working independently and navigating ambiguity in fast-evolving workflows.

Bonus Expertise

• Publications in peer-reviewed chemistry or physics journals.
• Teaching, tutoring, or curriculum development experience in physical chemistry or theoretical sciences.
• Experience with computational chemistry tools (e.g., Gaussian, ORCA, MATLAB).
• Familiarity with LLMs or AI-driven educational tools.
• Background in scientific annotation or technical quality assurance.

Additional Requirements

• Available to work evenings or weekends as needed.
• Comfortable adapting to rapidly changing workflows and AI tools.
• Personal device must support Windows 10 or macOS Big Sur 11.0 or later.
• Reliable smartphone access for secure login and multi-factor authentication.

Location & Work Expectations

• Employment Type: Contract
• Location Type: 100% Remote
• No visa sponsorship available.
• Not hiring in Wyoming or Illinois at this time.

Compensation

• Salary Range: $55/hr – $100/hr
• We benchmark our compensation ranges against similar stage companies. Final compensation will be based on factors such as location, relevant experience, and skill alignment.