Cosmology Problem Designer (Computational Astrophysics)

Mercor; Greater London; Remote; GBP 6,888,000 - 12,398,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercor invites experts in computational astrophysics and cosmology to shape graduate-level problems for AI benchmarks. You will design tasks requiring real scientific software like Astropy, plan multi-step experiments, and refine problems against cutting-edge AI models.

Strong Python and Linux skills, and 15–20 hours per week, are essential. Ideal candidates hold MS or PhD-level training with hands-on experience using scientific libraries and problem-set design in cosmology and astrophysics

Qualifications

• Graduate-level training in a STEM field (MS/PhD or equivalent).
• Proven proficiency with at least one scientific software library (e.g., Astropy).
• Strong Python skills for problem setups, oracle functions, and validators.
• Ability to work independently and refine problem designs based on feedback.
• Comfortable using Linux/terminal and remote compute sandboxes.
• Available for 15–20 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Design original, graduate-level computational problems based on real scientific workflows.
• Use specialized scientific software to create challenging, multi-step tasks.
• Plan experiments and queries to uncover information not directly visible.
• Test problems against state-of-the-art AI models and refine for target difficulty.
• Collaborate on benchmark design and contribute to evaluation loops.

Skills

Python

Linux

Problem design

Research programming

Astrophysics

Cosmology

Code debugging

Education

MS or PhD in relevant STEM field

Tools

Astropy

Other scientific software

Job description

Mercor invites experts in computational astrophysics and cosmology to shape graduate-level problems for AI benchmarks. You will design tasks requiring real scientific software like Astropy, plan multi-step experiments, and refine problems against cutting-edge AI models.

Strong Python and Linux skills, and 15–20 hours per week, are essential. Ideal candidates hold MS or PhD-level training with hands-on experience using scientific libraries and problem-set design in cosmology and astrophysics