Astrophysics Expert - Computational Specialist

Mercor; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; GBP 72,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercor is seeking a Computational Astrophysics & Cosmology Expert on a contract basis. The role focuses on designing computational problems to evaluate AI capabilities in scientific software, using Python and Astropy, with 15–20 hours per week and remote work.

You will work independently to create challenging benchmark problems, test against AI models, and leverage Linux/terminal environments for sandboxed compute. Prior graduate training required.

Qualifications

• Graduate-level training in a relevant STEM field (MS, PhD, or equivalent).
• Proven proficiency with scientific software libraries through research or professional work.
• Strong Python skills for writing problem setups and solution validators.
• Ability to work in a Linux/terminal environment with remote compute sandboxes.
• Available for 15–20 hours/week.

Responsibilities

• Design challenging computational problems to evaluate AI capabilities in scientific software usage.
• Develop problems requiring strategic planning and experimentation to uncover hidden data insights.
• Test and refine problems against state-of-the-art AI models to achieve target difficulty.
• Utilize Astrophysics & Cosmology expertise with tools like astropy for problem creation.
• Work independently and asynchronously to refine problem designs based on feedback.

Skills

Python

Linux/terminal

Education

MS/PhD in STEM

Tools

Astropy

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 Astrophysics & Cosmology Expert
Type: Contract
Compensation: $70–$100/hour
Location: Remote
Commitment: 15–20 hours/week

Role Responsibilities

• Design challenging computational problems to evaluate AI capabilities in scientific software usage.
• Develop problems requiring strategic planning and experimentation to uncover hidden data insights.
• Test and refine problems against state-of-the-art AI models to achieve target difficulty.
• Utilize Astrophysics & Cosmology expertise with tools like astropy for problem creation.
• Work independently and asynchronously to refine problem designs based on feedback.

Qualifications

Must-Have

• Graduate-level training in a relevant STEM field (MS, PhD, or equivalent).
• Proven proficiency with scientific software libraries through research or professional work.
• Strong Python skills for writing problem setups and solution validators.
• Ability to work in a Linux/terminal environment with remote compute sandboxes.
• Available for 15–20 hours/week.

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.

Resources & Support

• For details about the interview process and platform information, please check: https://talent.docs.mercor.com/welcome
• For any help or support, reach out to: [e-mail]

PS: Our team reviews applications daily.