Molecular Biology Expert at Mercor

Molecular Biology Expert | $70–105/hr | Remote (UK)

A leading AI lab is seeking experienced molecular biologists to join a specialized cohort helping shape the next generation of AI models for the life sciences. This is a part-time to full-time remote engagement (up to 40 hrs/week) based within the United Kingdom.

What You'll Do

• Design and review DNA/RNA sequences and constructs, including primers (PCR/qPCR/cloning), plasmids, expression vectors, gRNA/sgRNA for CRISPR editing, mRNA constructs, and HDR/repair templates.
• Author challenging, domain-grounded design tasks and produce accurate, well-documented solutions that serve as ground truth for AI training data.
• Evaluate AI model outputs against expert-quality solutions and provide clear written feedback on correctness, rigor, and biological reasoning.
• Justify design choices at the sequence level — including guide/target selection, homology-arm length, primer melting temperature, codon optimization, and regulatory elements.
• Collaborate with fellow subject-matter experts to maintain consistency and accuracy across training datasets.

Who We're Looking For

• A practicing (or recently practicing) molecular biologist with hands-on experience designing nucleic-acid constructs across primers, plasmids/vectors, gRNA/sgRNA, mRNA, and HDR/repair templates.
• Proficiency in cloning strategies such as Gibson, Golden Gate, Gateway, and restriction-based methods, as well as codon optimization.
• A strong peer-reviewed publication record — first-author work in journals such as Nature, Cell, eLife, Nucleic Acids Research, PNAS, or EMBO Journal is highly valued. Please include publication links with your application.
• An advanced degree (PhD strongly preferred) in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, synthetic biology, bioengineering, or a related life-science discipline.
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to articulate design decisions clearly and rigorously.

Program Details

This program is onboarding a small, selective cohort of experts with strong potential for extension based on performance. Onboarding is fast-tracked, with work beginning as soon as the process is complete.