Biology PhD Coding Expert at Mercor

Biology PhD Coding Expert | $70/hr | Worldwide Remote | Part-Time Contract (6 Weeks)

Mercor is partnering with leading AI labs to build a cutting-edge benchmark for scientific computing. We are seeking PhD-level Biology scientists with strong coding skills to author original, executable research problems that challenge today's most advanced AI models. If you have deep expertise in biological sciences and a passion for scientific computing, this is your opportunity to shape the future of AI evaluation.

What You'll Do

• Source original material from published papers, open datasets, repositories, or self-designed scenarios
• Write rigorous scientific prompts grounded in your source material
• Develop grading criteria that define correct, verifiable answers
• Calibrate tasks against frontier AI models — tasks are only approved when strong models fail more often than they succeed

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Biology, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Genetics, Ecology, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated depth in at least two subdomains: ecology, biochemistry, or genetics
• Working proficiency in Python, R, or another scientific computing language
• Comfortable with Git/GitHub and Docker-based workflows (pull-request authoring with automated quality checks)

Preferred Qualifications

• Publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Prior experience in scientific software development or research engineering

Engagement Details

• Duration: 6 weeks
• Commitment: Part-time, 20+ hours per week
• Start Date: Immediate
• Rate: $70/hr

Application Process

1. Submit your resume and application form
2. Complete a 25-minute conversational interview covering your background and experience
3. Receive follow-up within a few days with next steps and onboarding details

Apply today and put your research expertise to work building the next generation of scientific AI benchmarks.