Evolutionary Biologist - Fully Remote | Up to $80/hr

About the Opportunity

Mercor works with top-tier AI research teams by pairing them with outstanding creative and technical specialists. The company is based in San Francisco and is backed by investors such as Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.

Role Overview

This contract role is for Phylogenetics PhDs and subject matter experts working on the Zion (Arches) project. The work is fully remote.

Compensation

Pay ranges from $55 to $80 per hour.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality datasets that support future AI development by designing demanding phylogenetics problems.
• Partner with AI labs to strengthen large language models using specialist domain knowledge.
• Assess model responses and help refine them through structured testing and detailed feedback.
• Operate independently and on an asynchronous schedule to achieve project objectives and deadlines.
• Maintain a strong focus on accuracy and detail across all outputs.

Qualifications

• An advanced degree, preferably a PhD, in Evolutionary Biology, Phylogenetics, Genetics, Genomics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Molecular Biology, or Ecology & Evolution.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent written and spoken communication abilities.

Interview Process

• A brief interview and task, expected to take about 20 to 30 minutes.
• Paid onboarding time covers the task and a few short onboarding videos.

Application Process

• Submit a resume.
• Complete an AI-led interview based on your resume.
• Fill out and submit the application form.

Resources & Support

• Details about the interview flow and platform can be found in the provided help documentation.
• Support is available through the company help contact email.

Additional Notes

The team reviews applications every day. Candidates should finish the AI interview and all application steps to be considered for the role.