Cybersecurity Experts
Mercor • Remote, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK
Education
Any
Type
hourly
Pay Rate (by country)
$70–$90/hr
Listed
116d ago
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What We Know About This Role
- Contract length
- 9 weeks
About this Role
From the Mercor listing
Role Overview Mercor is partnering with a leading AI lab to engage experienced cybersecurity and low-level programming experts for a short-term, high-impact project. This engagement focuses on analyzing and reviewing content for security vulnerabilities, with an emphasis on pattern recognition and classification in an AI context. Contributors will apply expertise in systems programming and security concepts to improve how AI models detect and reason about potential threats. This opportunity begins with a work trial and may extend into a ~2-month project based on performance.
Ideal Qualifications
2+ years of experience in programming, preferably with low-level languages such as C, C++, or Java
Familiarity with security vulnerability classification (e.g., OWASP, CVEs, or similar frameworks)
Understanding of core cybersecurity concepts, including web security and common attack vectors
Strong attention to detail and pattern recognition skills
Clear written and verbal communication in English
Currently based in the U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, or New Zealand
Ability to pass an enhanced background check
Key Responsibilities:
You will work asynchronously with a team of highly qualified experts across your domain.
You will craft, solve, and review challenging problems with real world applicability.
Timeline
The work trial will happen mid-April with potential to expand based on results.
Exact dates will be confirmed closer to the start date.
Interview Process
You will complete a short interview and questionnaire to assess your domain expertise.
You will be paid for up to 1 hour of onboarding time including the screening process and a few onboarding videos if you are hired.
Requirements
- Must be eligible to work in one of: Remote, Australia, Canada, etc.
- Fluent proficiency in English (Written & Verbal)
- Reliable high-speed internet connection
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
- Demonstrated expertise in Software Engineering
Eligible Languages
Fluent proficiency in English
Key Responsibilities
- You will work asynchronously with a team of highly qualified experts across your domain.
- You will craft, solve, and review challenging problems with real world applicability.
Why This Role
Rare opportunity for top 1% experts. Earn $80/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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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mercor for freelancers or full-time contractors?
Mercor places you with one client for a defined engagement, like 'Python Tutor for 3 months', rather than having you grab small tasks from a shared queue. Most roles function as steady contract work, not one-off gigs.
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 actually 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 asynchronous AI training work mean in practice?
No set hours, no check-ins, no meetings. You log in when you want, pick up an available task, complete it, and submit; nobody is waiting on you in real time. That's different from remote employment, where you're expected online during business hours. The tradeoff: you're competing with others for available tasks, so an empty queue means there's simply nothing to do until more work is released.
What does Software Engineering work look like for a Cybersecurity Experts?
Tasks here are scoped to Software Engineering, not generic labeling. As a Cybersecurity 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.
Do I need to be fluent in English?
Yes. This role specifically requires English proficiency. You will likely be evaluated on written fluency during the assessment, not just conversational level. If English is not your first language or you are not professionally fluent, this is not the right role. Filter for your native language to find better-matched listings.
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.
Can I apply from outside Australia, Canada, New Zealand and 1 other country?
This specific role is open only to people based in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and UK. 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, since they can differ by country.
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.