Posted over 30 days ago. Roles like this often stay open for a while, so it's still worth applying.
Biology PhD Research Contributor at Mercor
posted 7 months agoBiology PhD Research Contributor | $80–125/hr | Worldwide Remote
Mercor is seeking PhD-level life scientists with published research experience to support an AI research initiative with a leading AI lab. You will apply your deep domain expertise in biology to create rigorous scientific challenges that shape how next-generation AI systems reason about the life sciences.
Key Responsibilities
- Design scientifically accurate challenges spanning molecular biology, genomics, transcriptomics, epigenetics, and/or proteomics
- Develop experimental challenges that evaluate controls, confounders, reproducibility, and data interpretation
- Produce high-quality training data including research-level questions, answers, and evaluation rubrics
- Provide structured feedback on wet-lab protocols, computational analysis pipelines, and study design
- Apply bioinformatics and quantitative reasoning to calibrate AI model performance on complex biological problems
Required Qualifications
- PhD or MD/PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, bioengineering, systems biology, or a related life-science field
- Currently or recently active in academia — faculty, staff scientist, research scientist, or postdoc with an active institutional affiliation
- Hands-on wet-lab experience — must have designed and executed experiments (not purely computational)
- Strong experimental design skills with demonstrated expertise in controls, confounders, and reproducibility
- Domain expertise in at least one of: Genomics, Transcriptomics, Epigenetics, or Proteomics/Protein Biochemistry
- Published peer-reviewed work or influential preprints/tools/datasets (e.g., first/second author papers or widely used methods)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in computational biology, bioinformatics, statistical genetics, or machine learning for omics
- Breadth across molecular modalities: DNA/RNA/protein biology, gene expression, and translation
- Familiarity with protein assays (Western blot, ELISA, mass spectrometry-based proteomics)
- Exposure to small molecules or chemical biology
This role begins as a pilot program requiring high engagement and excellence, with strong potential for extension based on performance.
How to apply for this role
- Upload your resume — keep it up-to-date and in English. Mercor will auto-fill your profile from it.
- Complete the AI interview — a 15-minute conversation about your experience. Be ready to discuss specific projects and challenges you've solved.
- Submit your application — only about 20% of applicants finish all the steps, so completing yours puts you well ahead.