About the job
Please submit your CV in English and specify your English proficiency level.
This freelance, project-based role with toloka-ai (via Mindrift) centers on testing, evaluating, and improving AI systems for technology clients. The work is remote and based in Virginia, United States. This position does not offer permanent employment.
Role overview
Material Scientists in this role design and document engineering problems that mirror real-world workflows. The focus is on creating computational challenges that require Python for calculations and simulations. Problems should involve numerical methods, iterative solutions, and reflect real research questions or practical engineering scenarios. Each task must be validated using Python and established engineering libraries, with clear documentation and verified solutions.
Key responsibilities
- Develop original materials engineering problems based on real applications
- Create complex challenges requiring Python programming
- Ensure tasks are computationally intensive and use numerical or iterative methods
- Design scenarios involving system design, optimization, and analysis
- Validate solutions with Python and relevant libraries
- Document problem statements and provide verified solutions
Requirements
- Degree in Material Science or a related discipline
- Strong Python skills for numerical validation; experience with MATLAB, R, C, SQL, Numpy, Pandas, SciPy, Stata, or similar languages is a plus
- Minimum of 2 years’ relevant experience (applied, research, or teaching)
- Understanding of practical engineering constraints and approximations
- Excellent written English (C1 level or above)
Process
- Apply
- Pass qualification(s)
- Join a project
- Complete tasks
- Receive compensation
Time commitment
Projects generally require 10–20 hours per week during active periods. Actual workload may change depending on project needs.
Compensation
Contributors can earn up to $76 per hour, depending on experience, pace, and project scope. Rates may vary according to complexity and required expertise.

