Research Assistant / Academic Researcher (Remote | $70 –$90/hr )

Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, and Astronomy Competition Problem Writers, Medalists & Affiliates (Contract)

Hourly Contract | Remote | $70 –$90 per hour

1. About the Role

leading frontier AI research lab

Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or Astronomy

Olympiad medalists, problem setters, selection committee members, or participants

Outstanding performers may be invited to extended research collaborations.

2. Key Responsibilities

• Design and write original Olympiad-style problems

  in your subject domain (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or Astronomy).

• Evaluate AI-generated solutions

  for accuracy, conceptual soundness, and reasoning depth.
• Identify and document

  logical flaws, conceptual gaps, and invalid assumptions

  in AI reasoning.
• Provide

  step-by-step analytical or experimental solutions

  , formatted clearly in

  LaTeX

  .
• Maintain

  rigorous scientific and Olympiad-level standards

  across all content creation tasks.

3. Ideal Qualifications

You are a strong fit if you have served as a:

• Olympiad medalist, problem setter, coach, or selection committee member

  in one or more of the following competitions:

• IPhO

  ,

  IChO

  ,

  IBO

  ,

  IOAA

  ,

  IESO

  , or equivalent national-level contests.

graduate-level researcher, educator, or scientist

You should possess:

• Deep mastery of theoretical and experimental principles in your subject area.
• Exceptional reasoning and clarity in written scientific communication.
• Strong proficiency with

  LaTeX

  for structured presentation.
• Independent, detail-oriented, and precise work ethic.

4. Compensation & Classification

Role TypeDescriptionHourly Rate

Gold Medalists / Selection Committee

IPhO / IChO / IBO / IOAA medalists, problem setters, or coaches

$90/hour

Silver / Bronze Medalists

Experienced competitors or national finalists

$80/hour

Honorable Mention / Participants

Active or past Olympiad participants

$70/hour

• Classification:

  Independent Contractor (via Mercor)

• Payments:

  Weekly via

  Stripe Connect

  for completed and approved work

• Schedule:

  Fully remote and asynchronous — flexible hours

5. Opportunity Highlights

• Collaborate on a

  world-first Olympiad-grade AI research project

  .
• Work alongside top scientists, educators, and AI researchers.
• Help shape how

  AI systems learn advanced reasoning

  in the natural sciences.
• Flexible and intellectually stimulating work with significant scientific impact.

PS: Mercor reviews applications daily. Please complete your interview and onboarding steps to be considered for this opportunity.