Biology PhD Expert - AI Trainer

Mercor; Riyad Al Khabra; On-site; SAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercor is hiring PhD-level scientists fluent in English and Arabic to help make advanced AI models safer. You will write expert prompts in Arabic on specialized topics and evaluate model responses for accuracy and safety. No prior AI/ML experience required — training will be provided.

You'll apply structured guidelines to classify prompts, review dual-use content considerations, and contribute to robust safety workflows in a collaborative team.

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, biology, or a closely related field, ongoing or completed, with the depth to write prompts across chemical, biological, or radiological and nuclear subject areas.
• Native or near-native fluency in Arabic, plus business-level written English.
• Deep familiarity with modern laboratory and computational techniques in your subfield.

Responsibilities

• Write expert-level prompts in Arabic across specialized scientific topics.
• Evaluate and annotate model responses for scientific accuracy, helpfulness, and appropriate handling of dual-use content.
• Apply structured guidelines to classify prompts and conversations.

Skills

Bilingual English/Arabic

Prompt writing

Content evaluation

Education

PhD in chemistry, biology, or related field

Job description

About the role

We're hiring PhD-level scientists who are proficient bilingual speakers (English & Arabic) to help make advanced AI models safer. You'll apply your scientific expertise to evaluate and strengthen how these models handle specialized technical topics in Arabic. No prior AI/ML experience is required — we'll train you on the workflow.

What you'll do

• Write expert-level prompts in Arabic across specialized scientific topics.
• Evaluate and annotate model responses for scientific accuracy, helpfulness, and appropriate handling of sensitive content.
• Apply structured guidelines to classify prompts and conversations.

What we're looking for

• A PhD in chemistry, biology, or a closely related field — ongoing or completed — with the depth to write prompts across chemical, biological, or radiological and nuclear subject areas.
• Native or near-native fluency in Arabic, plus business-level written English.
• Deep familiarity with modern laboratory and computational techniques in your subfield.
• Sound judgment around scientific safety and the responsible handling of dual-use information.

Nice to have

• Based in Saudi Arabia or the wider MENA region. This is a preference, not a requirement — applicants based elsewhere are welcome.
• Radiological and nuclear coverage from a chemistry background is welcome — radiochemistry, nuclear chemistry, energetic materials, or radiation physics all qualify.
• Demonstrated depth in a specific subfield rather than broad coverage — for example organic or inorganic synthesis, molecular biology, microbiology, virology, or genetics.
• Research or coursework touching on chemical safety and security, biosafety and biosecurity, or hazardous-materials handling.
• Experience reviewing, grading, or red-teaming technical content.

Project Timeline

• Start date: Immediate