Biology Expert (Canada)
Handshake • Canada
Education
PhD
Type
Hourly
Pay Rate
$61/hr
Listed
7d ago
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From the Handshake listing
Overview
Handshake is seeking Biology PhDs to support AI research through flexible, hourly contract work. This is not a traditional academic, laboratory, or full-time industry role. You’ll use your advanced biological training to evaluate AI-generated content and provide feedback that helps AI better understand biological concepts, experimental design, scientific reasoning, and technical problem-solving.
This is an ongoing, project-based opportunity that can be done alongside research, teaching, postdoctoral work, or industry employment.
Details
This project involves using your professional experience in biology to design rigorous, domain-relevant questions and review AI-generated responses for accuracy, logical consistency, and scientific rigor. No prior AI or technical experience is required.
Fully remote with a flexible, asynchronous schedule and no minimum hour requirement; most contributors work approximately 5–20 hours per week when participating in an active project.
Placement depends on current project needs, with opportunities to be considered for future projects as they become available.
Qualifications
Doctoral and postdoctoral students and graduates (including those currently enrolled in a PhD program or in postdoctoral positions) in Biology, including the following subfields:
Virology
Molecular Biology
Microbiology
Genetics
Proteomics
Biochemistry
Strong background in advanced biological concepts, experimental methodology, data interpretation, and scientific reasoning.
Canadian work authorization is required.
Work authorization information
F-1 students who are eligible for CPT or OPT may be eligible for projects on Handshake AI. Work with your Designated School Official to determine your eligibility. If your school requires a CPT course, Handshake AI may not meet your school’s requirements. STEM OPT is not supported. See our Help Center article for more information on what types of work authorizations are supported on Handshake AI.
The application process
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Why this role
AI labs pay $61/hr for a Biology Expert (Canada) because getting STEM nuance wrong in a training set is expensive to fix later. That's what this rate is pricing in.
Talent pool
We're light on STEM candidates
We've matched 65 people with a STEM background against 726 STEM listings we've tracked, so most go out without one. Set up a profile and we'll consider you for a role like this one.
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Common questions
Can I use Handshake if I graduated years ago?
Probably not a good fit. Handshake's AI Fellowship roles target current university students and early talent within about 1-2 years of graduation. Experienced professionals typically find faster approval and better rates on Outlier or Mercor.
Is Handshake itself the employer for AI training roles?
For the AI Fellowship roles specifically, yes, Handshake acts as the employer of record. That's different from the rest of the site, which functions as a job board listing openings for other companies.
Do I need a PhD for academic-niche AI training roles?
For the top pay tiers, a PhD or current enrollment is usually expected. But the domain assessment is what decides it: if you can solve the problems, the degree becomes secondary.
Is academic-niche AI training a continuous job?
Usually not. Work runs in campaigns, like training a model specifically on quantum mechanics, that might last a few weeks. Treat it as a high-paying fellowship or grant rather than a permanent daily job.
What does STEM work look like for a Biology Expert (Canada)?
Tasks here are scoped to STEM, not generic labeling. As a Biology Expert (Canada), expect to draw on real domain judgment (evaluating outputs, correcting errors, or providing expert reasoning specific to STEM) rather than following a one-size-fits-all rubric. If you don't have hands-on STEM background, this is likely not the right listing to start with.
What specific skills does this listing call for?
Expert is named directly in the listing. If you don't have hands-on experience with this, expect the screening process to test for it directly rather than accepting adjacent experience as a substitute.
How much does this specific role pay?
This listing is posted at $61/hr, an hourly rate. Pay can change between when we last checked the listing and when you apply, so confirm the current number on the platform's own application page before committing time.
What happens when I click Apply on this listing?
You'll be taken to Handshake's external site to complete your application there. This listing links through a referral, but the process is identical to applying directly; the link just routes you correctly. Create an account on their site and follow their onboarding steps.
Is a PhD required?
For this specific role, yes, or near-equivalent professional depth. The credential gate is enforced at the assessment stage, not just on paper. That said, active PhD candidates and people with equivalent published research have qualified without a formal degree. The assessment is the real filter.
Can I apply from outside Canada?
This specific role is open only to people based in Canada. If you are somewhere else, applying is unlikely to lead to an offer even if you pass the assessment, because the restriction is usually about where the work can legally be contracted rather than your skills. Read the full description for any tax-residency or right-to-work caveats before you apply.
Are Handshake AI training listings internships?
Some are, some aren't. Handshake lists both standard internships and separate "AI Trainer" fellowships. Check the job description for "1099" or "Contract" language: that signals a freelance role, not W-2 employment.