Biology Expert (PhD) — AI Safety
Mercor • Remote
Education
Any
Type
Pay Rate
$67.5/task
Listed
2d ago
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About the role
We're hiring PhD‑level biologists to help make advanced AI models safer. You'll apply your scientific expertise to evaluate and strengthen how these models handle specialized life‑science topics. No prior AI/ML experience is required — we'll train you on the workflow.
Location Requirements
About the role
What you'll do
What we're looking for
Nice to have
Project Timeline
About the role We're hiring PhD‑level biologists to help make advanced AI models safer. You'll apply your scientific expertise to evaluate and strengthen how these models handle specialized life‑science topics. No prior AI/ML experience is required — we'll train you on the workflow. What you'll do Write expert‑level prompts across specialized life‑science topics. Evaluate and annotate model responses for scientific accuracy, helpfulness, and appropriate handling of sensitive content. Apply structured guidelines to classify prompts and conversations. What we're looking for A PhD in biology or a closely related life‑science field — ongoing or completed (e.g., molecular biology, microbiology, virology, genetics, biochemistry, bioinformatics, synthetic biology, immunology). Deep familiarity with modern laboratory and computational techniques in your subfield. Strong scientific reasoning and writing in English. Sound judgment around biosecurity and the responsible handling of dual‑use information. Nice to have Research or coursework touching on biosafety/biosecurity, pathogen biology, or gain‑of‑function considerations. Experience reviewing, grading, or red‑teaming technical content. Project Timeline Start date: Immediate Commitment: Part‑time (15–25 hours/week, with flexibility up to 40 hours/week) We consider all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics and provide reasonable accommodations upon request.
- Write expert‑level prompts across specialized life‑science topics.
- Evaluate and annotate model responses for scientific accuracy, helpfulness, and appropriate handling of sensitive content.
- Apply structured guidelines to classify prompts and conversations.
- A PhD in biology or a closely related life‑science field — ongoing or completed (e.g., molecular biology, microbiology, virology, genetics, biochemistry, bioinformatics, synthetic biology, immunology).
- Deep familiarity with modern laboratory and computational techniques in your subfield.
- Strong scientific reasoning and writing in English.
- Sound judgment around biosecurity and the responsible handling of dual‑use information.
- Research or coursework touching on biosafety/biosecurity, pathogen biology, or gain‑of‑function considerations.
- Experience reviewing, grading, or red‑teaming technical content.
- Start date: Immediate
- Commitment: Part‑time (15–25 hours/week, with flexibility up to 40 hours/week)
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
Eligible Languages
Fluent proficiency in English
Compensation Analysis
Rare opportunity for top 1% experts. Earn $67.5/hr contributing to the world's most advanced AI labs. This is one of the few roles where academic precision is valued as highly as commercial output.
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Do I need a PhD?
For the highest pay tiers in this category, a PhD (or current enrollment) is usually expected. However, the most important factor is your ability to pass the domain assessment. If you can solve the problems, the degree is secondary.
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Work in niche fields is often project-based. A specific "campaign" (e.g., training a model on Quantum Mechanics) might last for a few weeks. It is best to treat this as a high-paying fellowship or grant rather than a permanent daily job.
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