
STEM Computational Scientist - PhD
Mercor · United States
- Hybrid
- Part-time
- $100,000 / year
- United States
Tailored resume — keyword-matched to this role.
Hiring manager — we find who's hiring.
Intro email — drafted to reach them directly.
Job highlights
- Design graduate-level computational problems.
- Evaluate AI models for research-grade problems.
- Develop tasks with state-of-the-art AI.
- Work independently, meet deadlines, improve AI.
- Utilize Python in a Linux environment.
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: STEM Computational Scientific Software & Evaluation Design
Type: Contract
Compensation: $45–$100/hour
Location: Remote
Commitment: 15–20 hours/week
Role Responsibilities
- Design graduate-level computational problems using domain-specific scientific software libraries.
- Evaluate AI models' ability to solve research-grade problems through strategic reasoning and problem-solving.
- Develop and refine tasks through calibration loops with state-of-the-art AI models.
- Collaborate asynchronously and work independently to meet deadlines and improve AI model performance.
- Utilize Python for problem setups, oracle functions, and solution validators in a Linux/terminal environment.
Qualifications
Must-Have
- Graduate-level training in a relevant STEM domain (MS, PhD, or equivalent research experience).
- Proficiency with at least one scientific software library, evidenced by research publications, open-source contributions, or professional work.
- Strong Python programming skills.
- Ability to work independently and iterate on problem designs based on calibration feedback.
- Comfortable working in a Linux/terminal environment with remote compute sandboxes.
Preferred
- Experience across multiple listed domains or tools.
- Familiarity with benchmark or evaluation design.
- Background in scientific pedagogy or exam/problem-set design.
- Experience with computational reproducibility and containerized environments.
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
- Computational Science
- Scientific Software
- Problem Design
- AI Model Evaluation
- Python Programming
- Linux Environment
- Independent Work
- Research
- STEM Domains
- Data Analysis
Skills & topics
- Computational Scientist
- STEM
- AI Research
- Scientific Software
- Python
- Linux
- Remote
- Contract
- Problem Design
- Model Evaluation
How to get hired
- Research Mercor's Mission: Understand their focus on connecting talent with AI research labs and their impressive investor base.
- Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your graduate-level STEM training, scientific software library proficiency, and Python skills.
- Prepare for AI Interview: Be ready for an AI-driven assessment based on your resume and qualifications.
- Demonstrate Independence: Showcase your ability to work autonomously and iterate on problem designs.
- Showcase Technical Skills: Emphasize your experience with Python and Linux environments.
Technical preparation
Master scientific software libraries.,Strengthen Python programming skills.,Practice Linux/terminal commands.,Understand AI model evaluation.
Behavioral questions
Describe independent problem-solving experience.,How do you iterate on designs?,How do you manage deadlines asynchronously?,Explain your research approach.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the application process for a STEM Computational Scientist at Mercor?
- The application process for a STEM Computational Scientist at Mercor involves uploading your resume, completing an AI interview based on your resume, and submitting the form. It typically takes 20-30 minutes to complete.
- What are the must-have qualifications for the STEM Computational Scientist role at Mercor?
- To be considered for the STEM Computational Scientist role at Mercor, you must have graduate-level training in a STEM domain (MS, PhD, or equivalent research experience), proficiency with at least one scientific software library, strong Python programming skills, and comfort working independently in a Linux/terminal environment.
- Is the STEM Computational Scientist position at Mercor remote?
- Yes, the STEM Computational Scientist position at Mercor is a fully remote role, allowing you to work from any location.
- What is the expected time commitment for the STEM Computational Scientist role at Mercor?
- The STEM Computational Scientist role at Mercor requires a commitment of 15-20 hours per week, making it a flexible contract position.
- Who are Mercor's investors, and what does this mean for a STEM Computational Scientist?
- Mercor's investors include prominent names like Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey. This indicates strong backing and a significant potential for impact in the AI research space for a STEM Computational Scientist.
- How can I get help or support during the application process for the Mercor STEM Computational Scientist job?
- If you need any help or support during the application process for the STEM Computational Scientist job at Mercor, you can reach out to support@mercor.com. For details about the interview process and platform information, visit https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome.
- What kind of problems will I be designing as a STEM Computational Scientist at Mercor?
- As a STEM Computational Scientist at Mercor, you will be designing graduate-level computational problems that leverage domain-specific scientific software libraries. These problems are intended to evaluate AI models' strategic reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
- What programming languages and environments are used for the STEM Computational Scientist role at Mercor?