STEM PhD Researcher Part-time

STEM PhD Researcher

$75 per hour

Hourly contract

Remote

We are looking for STEM PhD experts to be part of a project at the frontier of AI research and development. This initiative focuses on building agentic workflows — structured processes that capture how experts think, reason, and solve problems. These workflows will be used to design, evaluate, and improve next-generation AI systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Translate domain knowledge into clear, structured instructions (SOPs, rubrics, evaluation criteria).
• Create realistic tasks and scenarios that capture day-to-day professional activities in STEM fields.
• Collaborate with other experts to refine and validate workflows for accuracy, clarity, and reproducibility.
• Work with AI researchers and engineers to ensure workflows can be operationalized into agent environments.
• Identify opportunities where AI can augment or replicate expert decision-making in your discipline.

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent advanced degree) in a STEM discipline (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, Engineering, or related fields).
• Strong ability to explain complex processes in a clear, structured, step-by-step way.
• Experience in research, teaching, or technical writing is a plus.
• Excited about bridging your academic expertise with the development of cutting-edge AI systems.

More About the Opportunity

• Time commitment: ~10 hours/week for 3 weeks.
• Remote and flexible scheduling
• Option to extend engagement and bring on additional experts as project needs evolve

Compensation & Contract Terms

• Competitive hourly compensation (exact rates to be confirmed)
• Payments issued for services rendered
• Independent contractor arrangement
• Payments processed via Stripe Connect

Application Process

• Submit your resume or profile highlighting your expertise in the relevant domain
• Short form to capture domain experience and availability
• Mercor will follow up within a few days regarding next steps

About Mercor

• Mercor is a talent marketplace that connects top experts with leading AI labs and research organizations
• Our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey
• Thousands of professionals across domains like law, creatives, engineering, and research have collaborated through Mercor on frontier projects shaping the next era of AI

We consider all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics and provide reasonable accommodations upon request.