Computational Chemistry Expert (PhD)
Micro1 • Remote
Education
PhD
Type
Hourly
Pay Rate
$40–$60/hr
Actively Hiring
30 openings
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From the Micro1 listing
Job Title: Computational Chemistry Expert (PhD) Job Type: Contractor Location: Remote Job Summary: In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI systems. Your work will shape how models learn, reason, and perform through high-quality, real-world input.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, evaluate, and critique advanced computational chemistry workflows to support AI benchmarking initiatives.
- Provide expert-level insights on molecular simulations, electronic structure methods, and cheminformatics pipelines.
- Assess and optimize simulation parameters and scientific software configurations for accuracy and reproducibility.
- Analyze data from molecular dynamics, quantum chemistry, and drug discovery projects, providing actionable recommendations.
- Leverage domain knowledge to guide the development and validation of chemistry-related AI models and tools.
- Communicate complex scientific concepts clearly, both in writing and verbally, to technical and non-technical collaborators.
- Document findings, methodologies, and best practices to ensure knowledge transfer across the customer’s team.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- PhD in chemistry, computational chemistry, or closely related field, or equivalent industry/research experience.
- Deep expertise with computational chemistry methods and simulation-heavy environments is desirable.
- Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Gaussian, ORCA, Psi4, NWChem, GROMACS, LAMMPS, AMBER, RDKit, or OpenBabel would be ideal.
- Strong scientific programming and analytical workflow experience, especially using Python.
- Excellent quantitative, analytical, and scientific reasoning skills.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities, with the ability to clearly document and explain technical concepts.
- Track record of rigorous scientific problem-solving in complex chemistry domains.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with AI/ML-assisted chemistry workflows or benchmarking.
- Peer-reviewed publications, patents, or contributions to open-source scientific software.
- Background in drug discovery, spectroscopy analysis, or reaction prediction/retrosynthesis.
Requirements
- computational chemistry
- molecular simulations
- python
- gaussian
- gromacs
- lammps
- amber
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.
Interview Prep
This listing calls for this tool directly. Prep for the technical screen:
Why this role
The Computational Chemistry Expert (PhD) role at micro1 pays $40-$60 per hour for chemists who design and critique computational workflows using Gaussian, GROMACS, LAMMPS, AMBER, ORCA, Psi4 or NWChem. The project draws on molecular dynamics and electronic structure methods applied to real drug discovery problems. A completed PhD and hands-on experience configuring this scientific software stack are what the project needs.
Talent pool
We're light on STEM candidates
We've matched 65 people with a STEM background against 726 STEM listings we've tracked, so most go out without one. Set up a profile and we'll consider you for a role like this one.
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Common questions
Can I apply to Micro1 from outside the US or UK?
Yes. Micro1 accepts applicants from most countries worldwide, unlike DataAnnotation or Outlier, both of which cap access to a handful of English-speaking countries. Most roles still require strong written and spoken English.
Does Micro1 monitor your computer while you work?
On many projects, yes, through time-tracking tools that take periodic screenshots to verify active hours. Check the specific project's requirements before accepting if desktop monitoring is a dealbreaker.
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 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 Computational Chemistry Expert (PhD)?
Tasks here are scoped to STEM, not generic labeling. As a Computational Chemistry Expert (PhD), 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 specific skills does this listing call for?
computational chemistry, molecular simulations, python, and gaussian 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.
What does the 'openings' count on this listing mean?
It's Micro1's live count of how many candidates it's still trying to place for this specific role, 30 right now, not a countdown on your individual application. A higher number signals more active demand; it doesn't lower the bar for acceptance.
How much does this specific role pay?
This listing is posted at $40–$60/hr, an hourly rate. The range reflects experience level and negotiated terms, not a placeholder, so where you land in it depends on your background and the assessment. 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 Micro1'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.