Highly Experienced Structural Biologists
Mercor β’ Remote β’ Posted 2 days ago
Education
Any
Type
Pay Rate
$185/task
Posted
2d ago
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About this Role
About the role:
We're partnering with a leading AI lab to evaluate how a frontier model performs on long-horizon protein-design problems. We're running a small, hands-on project with senior protein-design experts to author and evaluate well-scoped design problems β and to iterate live with our team to shape what good looks like.
About the role
What you'll do
Time commitment
Compensation
About the role: We're partnering with a leading AI lab to evaluate how a frontier model performs on long-horizon protein-design problems. We're running a small, hands-on project with senior protein-design experts to author and evaluate well-scoped design problems β and to iterate live with our team to shape what good looks like. What you'll do: Brainstorm 2β3 candidate problem ideas (rough descriptions, ~1 page each). Examples of the shape we're looking for: Iterate with us until we align on a task structure Write up the chosen problem: target/inputs, allowed tools and information sources, what success looks like, and β most importantly β how you'd evaluate the model's design decisions and reasoning along the way. Review the model's trajectories (likely 5β20 per problem) and grade design choices + reasoning quality at each step. Critical fit criteria (please address these in your application) You're a working protein-design expert (binder design, FEP/ddG, enzyme engineering, structure-guided med chem, etc.) β PhD or equivalent industry track record. You can pose a long-horizon design problem whose optimal answer you don't know but where you're still confident judging whether a given trajectory is sound. You're comfortable evaluating reasoning quality, not just final outputs. Including cases where the model has full internet/tool access or a constrained toolset. You can iterate quickly (multi-day turnaround on drafts) for ~2 weeks. Time commitment: Compensation We consider all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics and provide reasonable accommodations upon request.
- You're a working protein-design expert (binder design, FEP/ddG, enzyme engineering, structure-guided med chem, etc.) β PhD or equivalent industry track record.
You can showcase this expertise from many different angles. Materials Science, Computer Science, Biophysics, Force Field Chemists. If you work downstream or upstream from protein structures and have the expertise, please apply!
- You can showcase this expertise from many different angles. Materials Science, Computer Science, Biophysics, Force Field Chemists. If you work downstream or upstream from protein structures and have the expertise, please apply!
- You can pose a long-horizon design problem whose optimal answer you don't know but where you're still confident judging whether a given trajectory is sound.
- You're comfortable evaluating reasoning quality, not just final outputs. Including cases where the model has full internet/tool access or a constrained toolset.
- You can iterate quickly (multi-day turnaround on drafts) for ~2 weeks.
- You can showcase this expertise from many different angles. Materials Science, Computer Science, Biophysics, Force Field Chemists. If you work downstream or upstream from protein structures and have the expertise, please apply!
- ~15β30 hours over 2β4 weeks (problem authoring + iteration + trajectory grading). There is potential for expansion.
- $150β220/hr. We want experts whoβve shipped molecules, maintained or contributed to widely-used tooling, and/or made an impact on the field.
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
Monetize your niche expertise without the billable hours. At $185/hr, this role offers elite compensation for pure intellectual workβno client management or administrative bloat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this for freelancers or full-time employees?
Both. Mercor tries to match you with clients who want long-term contractors. Unlike other platforms where you log in and grab small tasks, Mercor matches you with one company for a steady role (e.g., 'Python Tutor for 3 months').
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No. The application requires a video interview with an AI avatar. The AI asks you questions about your resume, and the video is shared with potential clients to prove your communication skills.
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No. You should never pay to join these platforms. Mercor makes money by charging the client a fee on top of your hourly rate.
Is this traditional consulting?
Not exactly. You act as a "Teacher" for advanced AI. Instead of client deliverables, you are given complex scenarios to evaluate. You grade the AI's logic, correct its hallucinations, and provide expert-level reasoning. Your job is to train the model to think like you do.
Why is the pay so high?
This role requires deep, verified expertise. General knowledge isn't enough; the model is specifically being trained on "edge cases"βthe rare, difficult, or highly technical nuances that only a senior professional would know.
What is the workload like?
This is cognitive, deep work. Unlike simple data labeling, you might spend 45-60 minutes on a single task, researching citations or verifying complex calculations. Quality is prioritized over speed.
How soon will I start?
Important: Mercor is a talent marketplace, not a task queue. Applying puts you in a pool of candidates. You will only start working when a specific client (like a major AI lab) selects your profile. This matching process can take weeks.