Astronomy Expert (PhD, Master's, or Olympiad Participants)
Mercor • Remote • Posted 116 days ago
Education
Any
Type
Pay Rate
$70/task
Posted
116d ago
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About this Role
Mercor is collaborating with a leading AI research lab on a project to advance frontier astronomy problem-solving. We are looking for astronomy experts who hold a PhD or Master’s degree, or have experience participating in the International Astronomy Olympiad (IAO). The goal of this project is to create novel, clear, and challenging Olympiad-style astronomy problems that cause frontier AI models to fail (i.e., generate an incorrect response) and to support the training of cutting-edge AI reasoning systems.
This is a short-term, high-impact, remote opportunity for those excited about applying their expertise to frontier AI research, with the possibility of extension based on performance.
1. Role Overview
frontier astronomy problem-solving
PhD or Master’s degree
International Astronomy Olympiad (IAO)
novel, clear, and challenging Olympiad-style astronomy problems
short-term, high-impact, remote opportunity
2. Key Responsibilities
IAO-style astronomy problems
solutions and reasoning
LaTeX
3. Required Qualifications
Note
Master’s or PhD in astronomy
Olympiad participant or medalist
Other qualifications
core theoretical and observational concepts
4. More About the Opportunity
Expected commitment
Project length
Rolling start dates; setup typically within 1–2 days of approval
resume or CV
interview (20–30 minutes)
short form
Mercor is collaborating with a leading AI research lab on a project to advance frontier astronomy problem-solving. We are looking for astronomy experts who hold a PhD or Master’s degree, or have experience participating in the International Astronomy Olympiad (IAO). The goal of this project is to create novel, clear, and challenging Olympiad-style astronomy problems that cause frontier AI models to fail (i.e., generate an incorrect response) and to support the training of cutting-edge AI reasoning systems. This is a short-term, high-impact, remote opportunity for those excited about applying their expertise to frontier AI research, with the possibility of extension based on performance. Write original & advanced IAO-style astronomy problems to challenge frontier AI models Evaluate AI-generated solutions for correctness, clarity, and reasoning quality, and identify where models fail Identify logical flaws, incomplete reasoning, or insufficiently rigorous derivations Provide clear, concise, and correct solutions and reasoning, formatted in LaTeX Maintain extremely high standards of precision, scientific rigor, and problem difficulty Note: Applicants must be highly proficient in writing and formatting documents using LaTeX You are a good fit for the project if you have any of the following experiences: Other qualifications: Deep understanding of core theoretical and observational concepts in astronomy and astrophysics Ability to articulate reasoning and derivations clearly in written form Strong ability to evaluate the rigor and complexity of astronomy problems Rigorous attention to detail in verifying solutions Expected commitment: 20 hours/week minimum; up to 40 hours/week available Project length: ~2 months, with potential for extension Rolling start dates; setup typically within 1–2 days of approval Submit your resume or CV highlighting your astronomy background and relevant achievements Complete a brief interview (20–30 minutes) Submit a short form detailing your experience writing problems and competing in astronomy or related Olympiads Selected applicants will be contacted within a few days with next steps We consider all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics and provide reasonable accommodations upon request.
- Write original & advanced IAO-style astronomy problems to challenge frontier AI models
- Evaluate AI-generated solutions for correctness, clarity, and reasoning quality, and identify where models fail
- Identify logical flaws, incomplete reasoning, or insufficiently rigorous derivations
- Provide clear, concise, and correct solutions and reasoning, formatted in LaTeX
- Maintain extremely high standards of precision, scientific rigor, and problem difficulty
- Have a Master’s or PhD in astronomy (or a related field), or are an Olympiad participant or medalist in the IAO (preferred) or equivalent competitions (RAO, CAO, IAO TST, AAO, EuAO, USAAO, BAO, INAO, JAO, UAC, IAYPT, CAUT, etc.)
- Deep understanding of core theoretical and observational concepts in astronomy and astrophysics
- Ability to articulate reasoning and derivations clearly in written form
- Strong ability to evaluate the rigor and complexity of astronomy problems
- Rigorous attention to detail in verifying solutions
- Expected commitment: 20 hours/week minimum; up to 40 hours/week available
- Project length: ~2 months, with potential for extension
- Rolling start dates; setup typically within 1–2 days of approval
Requirements
- Must be eligible to work in Remote
- Fluent proficiency in English (Written & Verbal)
- Reliable high-speed internet connection
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
- Demonstrated expertise in STEM
Compensation Analysis
Shape the "brain" of future AI. By working as a Astronomy Expert (PhD, Master's, or Olympiad Participants), you ensure that future models understand the nuance of your field. At $70/hr, it's a lucrative way to preserve the integrity of your profession in the digital age.
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