Chemistry Researcher (Part-Time) at Mercor

Chemistry Researcher (Part-Time) | $125–$225/hr | Worldwide Remote

Join a select cohort of accomplished chemistry researchers contributing to the next generation of AI systems for scientific reasoning. Our partner AI labs are building frontier models that reason at the level of a working researcher — and they need contributors whose expertise sits at the cutting edge of chemistry.

This is a W-2 part-time position (8–20 hrs/week) with Cincinnatus LLC, placed within a leading AI lab as part of their extended research workforce.

What You'll Do

• Author and review challenging chemistry problems used to train and evaluate frontier AI models
• Evaluate model outputs across tasks including retrosynthesis, mechanism prediction, spectral interpretation, and computational chemistry
• Identify failure modes in current models — particularly errors a working PhD chemist would immediately recognize
• Collaborate with a small program team and other senior contributors

Who We're Looking For

This is not a generalist role. Ideal candidates will have credentials such as:

• First-author or co-first-author publications in top-tier journals (e.g., JACS, Nature Chemistry, Science, Angewandte Chemie, ACS Catalysis, Chemical Reviews, and equivalents)
• Doctoral or postdoctoral training at a top-20 global institution in chemistry or STEM
• Competitive fellowships such as NSF GRFP, Hertz, Sloan Research Fellow, NIH F32/NRSA, Marie Curie, Rhodes, or equivalent
• Issued patents, spin-out companies, or PI/co-PI grant experience
• IChO Gold, Silver, or Bronze medalist
• Currently or recently active as a PhD candidate, postdoc, faculty member, principal scientist, or industry researcher

Outstanding senior PhD students and recent graduates with strong publication records are explicitly encouraged to apply — depth of research output matters more than years of experience.

Engagement Details

• Hours: 8–20 hours per week
• Employment: W-2 via Cincinnatus LLC (payroll, benefits, and compliance handled)
• Compensation: Reflects research seniority and credentials
• Duration: No fixed end date; ongoing as long as the program requires your expertise

Cincinnatus LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.