Princeton PhD whose research was linked to Nobel Prize in Physics applies for 2,300 jobs, still struggles to find work

A doctorate from Princeton University, an outstanding academic record and research cited in connection with the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics have not guaranteed Jack Weis a stable job. The 30-year-old has applied for more than 2,300 positions since completing his PhD in 2024, expanding his search from academic research to software engineering, consulting and even food preparation as he struggles to secure long-term employment.

According to Seoul Economic Daily, which reported on a story originally published by The Wall Street Journal, Weis’s experience reflects the challenges facing highly qualified job seekers in a cautious US employment market. Despite his academic credentials, he has struggled to find research and postdoctoral positions, while temporary work training artificial intelligence (AI) models has also failed to provide lasting employment.

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Who is Jack Weis, and why was his research linked to the Nobel Prize in Physics?

Weis graduated summa cum laude from Rice University before joining Princeton University’s doctoral programme in 2018. His research on ice formation was cited in connection with the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics as an example of the scientific applications of machine learning, according to Seoul Economic Daily.

Despite this academic background, finding a suitable position after completing his doctorate proved difficult. After failing to secure research and postdoctoral roles, Weis broadened his search to include software engineering, consulting and other fields. His applications even extended to a food preparation job at a company producing frozen crab cakes.

His experience highlights the gap between advanced academic qualifications and the availability of suitable jobs, particularly for candidates seeking specialised research roles.

How an AI job failed to provide stable employment

In January 2026, Weis secured temporary work with AI startup Mercor, earning $70 an hour to help train AI models. However, the assignments gradually dwindled, and his contract ended in mid-March, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The temporary position offered an opportunity to apply his skills in the AI sector, but it did not translate into lasting employment. Weis has continued exploring other career options while considering law school and developing an AI-powered drone designed to tackle invasive weeds.

US job market adds to challenges for graduates

The wider US employment market has added to the difficulties faced by recent graduates. Seoul Economic Daily reported that 5.6% of recent college graduates were unemployed in the second quarter of 2026, citing data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The underemployment rate among recent graduates reached 42%, indicating that many employed graduates were working in positions that typically do not require a degree.

The labour market has been characterised by a low-hiring, low-firing trend, with employers cautious about recruiting and workers reluctant to leave existing jobs. AI-powered recruitment tools have also added another layer of difficulty for job seekers navigating the hiring process.

Although Weis holds a doctorate rather than a typical undergraduate degree, his experience illustrates how even candidates with specialised training can struggle when employers are reluctant to expand hiring.