Quantum Chemist - Fully Remote | Upto $100/hr

mercor; India; Remote; INR 9,344,000 - 13,349,000; Part time

Job summary

Mercor is seeking a Computational Chemistry & Electronic Structure Expert for a remote, contract role with 15–20 hours per week. You will design computational problems in chemistry using PySCF, guide AI-driven simulations, and validate results with state-of-the-art models.

The ideal candidate holds MS/PhD in a STEM field, has strong Python skills, and can work independently in a Linux/terminal environment with remote compute sandboxes.

Qualifications

• Graduate-level training in a STEM field (MS, PhD, or equivalent research experience).
• Proven proficiency with scientific software libraries through research publications or professional work.
• Strong Python skills for writing problem setups and solution validators.
• Ability to work independently and refine designs based on feedback.
• Comfortable in a Linux/terminal environment with remote compute sandboxes.

Responsibilities

• Design challenging computational problems in Computational Chemistry & Electronic Structure using PySCF for quantum chemistry calculations.
• Develop problems requiring strategic planning for AI to uncover hidden information through simulations and experiments.
• Test and refine problems against state-of-the-art AI models to achieve target difficulty.
• Collaborate with AI research teams to ensure problems align with real scientific workflows.
• Work independently to create problems that challenge AI reasoning beyond surface-level pattern matching.

Skills

Python programming

Independent work

Analytical thinking

Education

MS/PhD in STEM

Tools

PySCF

Linux command line

Scientific software libraries

Job description

About the job

Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.

Position: Computational Chemistry & Electronic Structure Expert

Type: Contract

Compensation: $70–$100/hour

Location: Remote

Commitment: 15–20 hours/week

Role Responsibilities

• Design challenging computational problems in Computational Chemistry & Electronic Structure using PySCF for quantum chemistry calculations.
• Develop problems requiring strategic planning for AI to uncover hidden information through simulations and experiments.
• Test and refine problems against state-of-the-art AI models to achieve target difficulty.
• Collaborate with AI research teams to ensure problems align with real scientific workflows.
• Work independently to create problems that challenge AI reasoning beyond surface-level pattern matching.

Qualifications

Must-Have

• Graduate-level training in a relevant STEM field (MS, PhD, or equivalent research experience).
• Proven proficiency with scientific software libraries through research publications or professional work.
• Strong Python skills for writing problem setups and solution validators.
• Ability to work independently and refine designs based on feedback.
• Comfortable in a Linux/terminal environment with remote compute sandboxes.

Preferred

• Experience across multiple domains or tools.
• Familiarity with benchmark or evaluation design.
• Background in scientific teaching or exam/problem-set design.
• Experience with computational reproducibility and containerized environments.