Astrophysics Researcher - Fully Remote | Upto $100/hr

mercor; United States; Remote; USD 96,000 - 138,000; Part time

Job summary

Mercor seeks an Astrophysics & Cosmology Expert for a remote contract role, offering 15–20 hours per week. The candidate will design computational problems to test AI systems using real scientific software and develop workflows for AI to uncover hidden data.

The role requires graduate-level STEM training, proven proficiency with scientific libraries, strong Python skills, and comfort with Linux/terminal environments. Experience with multiple domains or tools is a plus.

Qualifications

• Must have 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.
• Comfortable in a Linux/terminal environment with remote compute sandboxes.
• Available for at least 15–20 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Design challenging computational problems to test AI systems using real scientific software.
• Develop problems requiring strategic planning and multi-step workflows for AI to uncover hidden data.
• Refine problems through iterative testing against state-of-the-art AI models.
• Utilize astropy and related tools for cosmological calculations and data analysis.
• Work independently to enhance problem designs based on feedback.
• Collaborate asynchronously with teams to ensure problem difficulty is optimal.

Skills

Python

Linux/terminal

Research experience

Education

MS/PhD or equivalent

Tools

Astropy

Containerization

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

Role Responsibilities

• Design challenging computational problems to test AI systems using real scientific software.


• Develop problems requiring strategic planning and multi-step workflows for AI to uncover hidden data.


• Refine problems through iterative testing against state-of-the-art AI models.


• Utilize astropy and related tools for cosmological calculations and data analysis.


• Work independently to enhance problem designs based on feedback.


• Collaborate asynchronously with teams to ensure problem difficulty is optimal.

Qualifications

• Must-Have: Graduate-level training in a relevant STEM field ( MS, PhD, or equivalent research experience ).


• Must-Have: Proven proficiency with scientific software libraries through research publications or professional work.


• Must-Have: Strong Python skills for writing problem setups and solution validators.


• Must-Have: Comfortable in a Linux/terminal environment with remote compute sandboxes.


• Must-Have: Available for at least 15–20 hours per week.


• Preferred: Experience across multiple domains or tools.


• Preferred: Familiarity with benchmark or evaluation design.


• Preferred: Background in scientific teaching or exam/problem-set design.


• Preferred: Experience with computational reproducibility and containerized environments.