Molecular Biology Experts
Mercor • Remote, UK
Education
Any
Type
hourly
Pay Rate (by country)
$70–$105/hr
Listed
30d ago
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What We Know About This Role
- Contract length
- 3 weeks
About this Role
From the Mercor listing
Join a leading AI lab's cutting-edge GenAI team to be at the core of the AI revolution, where your expertise fuels the development of the most advanced models for science.
1. Overview
A leading AI lab is building models that reason across the life sciences, and we're assembling a small cohort of molecular biologists to elevate the quality of the training data. The focus is the design of DNA and RNA sequences — the work a molecular biologist does prior to conducting experiments — including primers, plasmids, guide RNAs, mRNA constructs, and repair templates. This is a part-time to full-time commitment of up to 40 hours per week, fully remote within the United Kingdom.
2. What you'll do
Design and review DNA/RNA sequences and constructs — primers (PCR/qPCR/cloning), plasmids and expression vectors, gRNA/sgRNA for CRISPR editing, mRNA/RNA constructs, and HDR/repair templates — drawn from your professional experience.
Author challenging, domain-grounded design tasks and write accurate, well-documented solutions that serve as ground truth.
Evaluate AI model outputs against expert-quality solutions and provide clear, written feedback on correctness, rigor, and biological reasoning.
Justify design choices at the sequence level — guide/target selection, homology-arm length, primer melting temperature and specificity, codon optimization, and regulatory elements.
Collaborate with other subject-matter experts to keep the training data consistent and accurate.
3. Who we're looking for
A practicing (or recently practicing) molecular biologist with hands-on experience designing nucleic-acid constructs prior to experiments — across several of primers, plasmids/vectors, gRNA/sgRNA, mRNA, and HDR/repair templates — together with cloning strategy (Gibson, Golden Gate, Gateway, restriction) and codon optimization.
A strong peer-reviewed publication record is a key measure of expertise — first-author work in notable venues such as Nature (and the Nature family), Cell, eLife, Nucleic Acids Research, PNAS, and EMBO Journal is especially valued. Please include publication links with your application.
An advanced degree (PhD strongly preferred) in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, synthetic biology, bioengineering, or a related life-science field.
Strong written communication and the ability to justify design choices clearly and rigorously.
4. Scope
The program is onboarding a small cohort of experts to design and evaluate nucleic-acid sequence tasks, with strong potential to extend for well-performing contributors.
Fast start — the program is aiming to begin as soon as onboarding is complete.
Requirements
- Must be eligible to work in one of: Remote, UK
- Fluent proficiency in English (Written & Verbal)
- Reliable high-speed internet connection
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
- Demonstrated expertise in STEM
Why This Role
Shape the "brain" of future AI. By working as a Molecular Biology Experts, you ensure that future models understand the nuance of your field. At $87.5/hr, it's a lucrative way to preserve the integrity of your profession in the digital age.
Skills & Categories
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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.
Is academic-niche AI training just data labeling?
No, it's closer to academic research. Expect to write or verify complex proofs, solve advanced equations, or check the logic behind a model's step-by-step reasoning. The goal is teaching AI systems to reason deeply within your specific field.
Do I need a PhD for academic-niche AI training roles?
For the top pay tiers, a PhD or current enrollment is usually expected. But the domain assessment is what actually decides it: if you can solve the problems, the degree becomes secondary.
Is academic-niche AI training a continuous job?
Usually not. Work runs in campaigns, like training a model specifically on quantum mechanics, that might last a few weeks. Treat it as a high-paying fellowship or grant rather than a permanent daily job.
What does STEM work look like for a Molecular Biology Experts?
Tasks here are scoped to STEM, not generic labeling. As a Molecular Biology Experts, expect to draw on real domain judgment (evaluating outputs, correcting errors, or providing expert reasoning specific to STEM) rather than following a one-size-fits-all rubric. If you don't have hands-on STEM background, this is likely not the right listing to start with.
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 UK?
This specific role is restricted to UK. If you are outside these locations, applying is unlikely to result in an offer even if you pass the assessment. Check the full job description for any VPN or tax-residency caveats.
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.