Mathematics Expert

About the role

Handshake is looking for experienced mathematicians and research scientists to support AI research through flexible, part-time contract work. This is not a traditional job — you'll draw on your hands-on experience in pure or applied mathematics to evaluate AI-generated content and provide feedback that helps AI reason like a practicing mathematician. This is an ongoing, project-based opportunity you can take on alongside your current role.

What You'll Do

• Use your domain expertise to create expert-level mathematics problems and scenarios grounded in real proof, formalization, and computational workflows
• Review and evaluate AI-generated responses for technical accuracy, rigor, and alignment with how the work is actually done
• Provide structured written feedback to help improve AI model performance
• Complete tasks at your own pace with no set schedule or minimum hour requirement

Qualifications

Ideal candidates meet all three of the following:

• Research experience — first-author publications and the ability to formalize proofs that AI models fail on
• Degree — PhD in Mathematics (pure or applied)
• Sub-domain depth — demonstrated expertise in one of the following areas:
  • Proof and formal methods (Lean, Coq, Isabelle)
  • Symbolic computation (SageMath, Mathematica), optimization, and numerical analysis
  • A core subfield such as algebra, topology, number theory, or combinatorics

Candidates who meet at least 2 of the 3 qualifications above are also encouraged to apply.

Additional Qualifications (not Required, But Strengthen Your Application)

• Proficiency with theorem provers and symbolic computation software
• Experience formalizing proofs or working on problems at the edge of what current AI models can handle

Required For All Applicants

• Must have US work authorization
• Strong written communication and attention to detail
• Ability to explain complex mathematical concepts clearly
• Ability to work independently in a remote, asynchronous environment