Drug Discovery & Translational Science Expert at Mercor

Drug Discovery & Translational Science Expert | $70-100/hr | Remote (US)

About the role

Join a leading AI lab's GenAI team as a drug discovery and translational science subject-matter expert. You'll bring deep expertise in drug discovery, target biology and translating preclinical findings to the clinic to improve the quality of AI training data for large language models. This is a full-time W-2 position with Cincinnatus LLC, placed at a leading AI lab as part of their extended workforce.

What you'll do

• Guide research and engineering teams to close knowledge gaps and improve AI model performance in target identification and validation, lead optimization, biomarkers, and preclinical to clinical translation.
• Design challenging, realistic discovery and translational tasks, such as target validation strategies, assay and screening cascade design, lead optimization problems, biomarker selection and first-in-human translation scenarios, and write accurate, well-structured solutions.
• Evaluate AI model outputs on drug discovery and translational questions for scientific rigor, experimental design quality and correct interpretation of data, and provide clear written feedback.
• Develop guidelines and detailed rubrics to assess hypothesis quality, experimental design and translational reasoning across tasks.
• Collaborate with other subject-matter experts to keep training data consistent and accurate.

Who it's for

• 7+ years of dedicated industry experience in drug discovery or translational science, beyond doctoral and postdoctoral training, at a recognized top-tier organization, such as a top-25 pharmaceutical company (Pfizer, Merck, Roche, Novartis and similar), a major biotech (Amgen, Genentech, Vertex and similar), a leading CRO (IQVIA, ICON and similar), or a regulator such as the FDA or EMA.
• PhD or MD/PhD in a relevant discipline such as biology, pharmacology, biochemistry or chemistry, with independent research led in an industry setting.
• Hands-on experience in at least one of: target identification and validation, assay development and screening, lead optimization (medicinal chemistry, DMPK), biomarker strategy, or preclinical to clinical translation (PK/PD, first-in-human dose rationale).
• Current or most recent role at Associate Director, Principal Scientist or Senior Manager level or above, with demonstrable career progression.
• Strong written communication skills and the ability to explain complex scientific reasoning clearly.
• Experience with AI training or evaluation work, or hands-on use of AI tools in discovery or translational research, is a plus.

Pay and schedule

$70-100/hr. Full-time, 40 hours per week, on weekdays.

About the employer

Cincinnatus LLC is an enterprise staffing company that partners with leading technology companies to source and employ skilled professionals for contingent and contract-based opportunities. Cincinnatus is the employer of record, providing W-2 employment, payroll, benefits and compliance. Cincinnatus is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on any legally protected characteristic.