Astrophysics Software Designer - Expert

mercor; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; GBP 73,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercor is seeking a remote STEM Computational Scientific Software & Evaluation Designer in Astrophysics & Cosmology. The role focuses on creating graduate-level computational problems and evaluating how AI systems tackle research-grade challenges, from simulations to data interpretation. Strong Python and Linux skills are required, with independent, asynchronous work in a flexible 15–20 hour weekly commitment. Astropy expertise is a plus.

Qualifications

• Graduate-level training in a STEM field (MS/PhD or equivalent).
• Proficiency with scientific software libraries evidenced by publications or work.

Responsibilities

• Design graduate-level computational problems using domain-specific scientific software libraries.
• Evaluate AI systems' ability to solve research-grade problems from querying simulations to interpreting outputs.
• Develop experimental strategies to recover hidden information from data, emphasizing strategic reasoning.
• Calibrate tasks against state-of-the-art AI models, refining problem designs to achieve target difficulty.
• Work independently and asynchronously to iterate on problem designs based on calibration feedback.
• Utilize astropy and related tools for cosmological calculations and observational data reduction.

Skills

Python programming

Linux/terminal

Remote collaboration

Education

Graduate-level training (MS/PhD or equivalent)

Tools

Astropy

Containerized environments

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: STEM Computational Scientific Software & Evaluation Design - Astrophysics & Cosmology

Type: Contract

Compensation: $70–$100/hour

Location: Remote

Commitment: 15–20 hours/week

Role Responsibilities

• Design graduate-level computational problems using domain-specific scientific software libraries.
• Evaluate AI systems' ability to solve research-grade problems, from querying simulations to interpreting outputs.
• Develop experimental strategies to recover hidden information from data, emphasizing strategic reasoning.
• Calibrate tasks against state-of-the-art AI models, refining problem designs to achieve target difficulty.
• Work independently and asynchronously to iterate on problem designs based on calibration feedback.
• Utilize astropy and related tools for cosmological calculations and observational data reduction.

Qualifications Must-Have

• Graduate-level training in a relevant STEM domain ( MS, PhD, or equivalent research experience ).
• Demonstrated proficiency with scientific software libraries, evidenced by research publications or professional work.
• Strong Python programming skills for writing problem setups and solution validators.
• Ability to work in a Linux/terminal environment with remote compute sandboxes.
• Available for at least 15–20 hours per week .

Preferred

• Experience across multiple listed domains or tools.
• Familiarity with benchmark or evaluation design.
• Background in scientific pedagogy 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:
• For any help or support, reach out to: