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Software Engineering mercor

Chemistry PhD Coding Experts

Mercor • Remote

Education

PhD

Type

Hourly

Pay Rate

$70/hr

Listed

42d ago

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About this role

From the Mercor listing

Mercor is hiring PhD and Master's scientists to author AI evaluation tasks (Sci Code)

Mercor is partnering with leading AI labs on a new benchmark for scientific computing. You will author original, executable research problems that today's frontier models cannot solve.

Domains — depth required in at least two subdomains (with a coding focus)

  • Chemistry — quantum chemistry, computational chemistry

What you'll do

  • Source your own material: a published paper, a Kaggle dataset, an open-source repository, or a scenario you design

  • Write scientific prompts based on the input

  • Build the grading criteria that define a correct answer

  • Calibrate against frontier models — a task ships only when strong models fail it more often than they succeed

Required

  • PhD in chemistry, physical chemistry, theoretical chemistry, computational chemistry, or a closely related field

  • Demonstrated depth in both of the following subdomains: quantum chemistry and computational chemistry

  • Working proficiency in Python, R, or another relevant programming language for scientific computing

  • Comfortable with Git/GitHub and running code in Docker — authoring runs through a pull-request workflow with automated quality checks

Preferred

  • Publications in peer-reviewed journals

  • Prior scientific software or research engineering experience

Engagement

  • Duration: 6 weeks

  • Commitment: part-time, 20+ hours per week

  • Start date: immediate

Process

  1. Upload your resume and application form

  2. A 25-minute conversational interview covering your background, experience, and motivations

  3. Follow up within a few days with next steps and onboarding

Apply today and put your research expertise to work building the next generation of scientific AI.

Requirements

  • Must be eligible to work in Remote
  • Fluent proficiency in English (Written & Verbal)
  • Reliable high-speed internet connection
  • PhD's degree or equivalent professional experience
  • Demonstrated expertise in Software Engineering

How long hiring takes

Across the AI training platforms we refer candidates to, the median gap between referral and hire is about 30 days. It varies by platform and role, so treat it as a rough guide for this one.

Within 2 weeks
~25%
Within 6 weeks
~60%
Within 3 months
~80%

Talent Pool members

Apply through this link and we can put you forward to Mercor when your profile is a strong match. Not every applicant is submitted. If you're not in the pool yet, set up your profile first.

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Interview Prep

This listing calls for this tool directly. Prep for the technical screen:

Why this role

$70/hr for Chemistry PhD Coding Experts work puts your Software Engineering expertise on the same footing as an AI lab's own research staff, without the overhead of running a consulting practice around it.

Skills and categories

Explore other opportunities in related specializations:

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Common questions

Does Mercor's application require an on-camera interview?

Yes, every applicant records a video interview with an AI interviewer that asks questions about your resume. Clients review that recording to judge communication skills before matching, so there's no way to apply without going on camera.

Does it cost money to apply to Mercor?

No, applying and joining Mercor is free. Mercor's revenue comes from a fee it charges the client on top of your hourly rate, not from applicants. Treat any request for payment to join as a red flag.

What does task-based AI training work look like?

Practical, hands-on data work: recording short videos, categorizing images, rating text responses, or analyzing data. Tasks are designed to be short and distinct, typically 5 to 60 minutes each.

What does Software Engineering work look like for a Chemistry PhD Coding Experts?

Tasks here are scoped to Software Engineering, not generic labeling. As a Chemistry PhD Coding Experts, expect to draw on real domain judgment (evaluating outputs, correcting errors, or providing expert reasoning specific to Software Engineering) rather than following a one-size-fits-all rubric. If you don't have hands-on Software Engineering background, this is likely not the right listing to start with.

What specific skills does this listing call for?

Coding, Python, and PhD are named directly in the listing. If you don't have hands-on experience with these, expect the screening process to test for them directly rather than accepting adjacent experience as a substitute.

How much does this specific role pay?

This listing is posted at $70/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 Mercor'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.

How soon will I start working after applying to Mercor?

Not immediately. Mercor is a talent marketplace, not a task queue, so applying puts you in a pool of candidates. You start working only once a specific client, like a major AI lab, selects your profile, and that matching process can take weeks.