Artificial Intelligence Researcher | Upto $85/hr Part-time
Mercor · United States
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- Hybrid
- Part-time
- $85,000 / year
- United States
Job highlights
- Design AI research problems for frontier models.
- Evaluate model performance and identify reasoning failures.
- Integrate problems using Python in development environment.
- Requires STEM professor background with 30+ hours weekly.
- Remote position with flexible hourly compensation.
About the role
About The Job
Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.
Position: Professor in STEM Domains
Type: W2 Employment
Compensation: $55–$85/hour
Location: Remote
Commitment: 30+ hours/week
Role Responsibilities
- Design challenging, real-world domain-specific problems for agentic tasks.
- Target core capability loss failures in frontier AI models.
- Integrate problems into an Agentic development environment using Python.
- Prepare detailed instructions, a golden solution, and consult with domain experts.
- Evaluate cross-model performance on tasks to identify logical reasoning failures.
- Identify tasks where the target model fails all tests.
- Classify failures as logical reasoning issues.
- Analyze agent steps to extract core capability loss patterns from the model.
Qualifications
Must-Have
- Current or retired professor within STEM, including ML, coding, data science.
- Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or relevant STEM field.
- Ability to engage reliably for at least 30 hours/week during weekdays.
- Basic ability to work independently and manage time.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Preferred
- Past experience in AI training, model evaluation, and data annotation.
Application Process
(Takes 20–30 mins to complete)
- Upload resume
- AI interview based on your resume
- Submit form
Resources & Support
For details about the interview process and platform information, please check: https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome
For any help or support, reach out to: support@mercor.com
PS: Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity.
Key skills/competency
- AI Researcher
- STEM Professor
- Machine Learning
- Data Science
- Python
- Model Evaluation
- Agentic Tasks
- Logical Reasoning
- Problem Design
- AI Training
Skills & topics
- AI Researcher
- Professor
- STEM
- Machine Learning
- Data Science
- Python
- Model Evaluation
- AI Training
- Remote
- W2 Employment
How to get hired
- Research Mercor's mission: Understand their goal of connecting elite talent with AI labs and their high-profile investors.
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your STEM professorial experience, AI training, model evaluation, and Python skills.
- Prepare for AI interview: Be ready for an AI-driven interview assessing your resume's alignment with the AI Researcher role.
- Demonstrate time management: Show your ability to commit 30+ hours weekly and work independently.
- Highlight communication skills: Emphasize strong verbal and written communication for consulting with domain experts.
Technical preparation
Master Python for AI development environment integration.,Familiarize with AI model evaluation techniques.,Practice identifying logical reasoning failures in AI.,Prepare to design real-world domain-specific problems.
Behavioral questions
Describe experience managing independent projects.,How do you consult with domain experts effectively?,Illustrate problem-solving approach for complex issues.,How do you prioritize tasks for 30+ hours/week?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary responsibility of an AI Researcher and STEM Professor at Mercor?
- As an AI Researcher and STEM Professor at Mercor, your primary responsibility is to design challenging, real-world, domain-specific problems for agentic AI tasks. This involves identifying core capability failures in frontier AI models, integrating these problems into a Python-based development environment, and evaluating model performance to pinpoint logical reasoning failures.
- What qualifications are essential for the AI Researcher and STEM Professor role at Mercor?
- Essential qualifications include being a current or retired professor in a STEM field (like ML, coding, or data science) with a relevant degree. You must also be able to commit at least 30 hours per week, work independently, and possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Is the AI Researcher and STEM Professor position at Mercor remote?
- Yes, the AI Researcher and STEM Professor position at Mercor is a fully remote role, allowing you to work from any location.
- What is the compensation structure for this role at Mercor?
- The compensation for the AI Researcher and STEM Professor role at Mercor is hourly, ranging from $55 to $85 per hour. The role is a W2 employment type.
- What is the expected time commitment for the AI Researcher and STEM Professor role?
- The expected time commitment for this role is 30 or more hours per week, primarily during weekdays. This is a substantial commitment designed for dedicated engagement.
- What preferred qualifications would make a candidate stand out for the AI Researcher role?
- Preferred qualifications include prior experience in AI training, model evaluation, and data annotation. These experiences can provide a valuable edge in understanding and executing the role's responsibilities.
- How long does the application process for Mercor's AI Researcher position typically take?
- The application process for Mercor's AI Researcher and STEM Professor position is designed to be efficient, typically taking between 20 to 30 minutes to complete, including uploading your resume and completing an AI interview.
- Where can I find more information about Mercor's interview process?
- You can find detailed information about the interview process and platform specifics by visiting https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome. This resource provides comprehensive guidance.