Chemistry PhD Coding Experts

Weekday 1; United States; Remote; USD 83,000 - 110,000; Part time

Job summary

Weekday 1 is seeking PhD-level scientists to author AI evaluation tasks (Sci Code) for a new benchmark in scientific computing. You will craft original, executable research problems that current frontier models cannot solve, focusing on chemistry domains with quantum and computational depths, all in a fully remote 6-week, part-time engagement.

Expect to source material, write prompts, define grading criteria, and calibrate tasks against models that struggle.

Qualifications

• PhD in chemistry, physical chemistry, theoretical chemistry, computational chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated depth in quantum chemistry and computational chemistry.
• Working proficiency in Python, R, or another language for scientific computing.
• Comfortable with Git/GitHub and running code in Docker; authoring runs via PR workflow with automated checks.

Responsibilities

• Source your own material: a published paper, a Kaggle dataset, an open-source repo, or a scenario you design.
• Write scientific prompts based on the input.
• Build the grading criteria that define a correct answer.
• Calibrate against frontier models; a task ships only when strong models fail more often than they succeed.

Skills

Python

R

Scientific computing

Education

PhD in chemistry or related field

Tools

Git/GitHub

Docker

Job description

This role is for one of our clients

Compensation: $70 per hour

We are hiring PhD and Master's scientists to author AI evaluation tasks (Sci Code)

We are partnering with leading AI labs on a new benchmark for scientific computing. You will author original, executable research problems that today's frontier models cannot solve.

Domains — depth required in at least two subdomains (with a coding focus)

• Chemistry — quantum chemistry, computational chemistry

Requirements

What you'll do

• Source your own material: a published paper, a Kaggle dataset, an open-source repository, or a scenario you design
• Write scientific prompts based on the input
• Build the grading criteria that define a correct answer
• Calibrate against frontier models — a task ships only when strong models fail it more often than they succeed

Required

• PhD in chemistry, physical chemistry, theoretical chemistry, computational chemistry, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated depth in both of the following subdomains: quantum chemistry and computational chemistry
• Working proficiency in Python, R, or another relevant programming language for scientific computing
• Comfortable with Git/GitHub and running code in Docker — authoring runs through a pull-request workflow with automated quality checks

Preferred

• Publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Prior scientific software or research engineering experience

Engagement

• Duration: 6 weeks
• Commitment: part-time, 20+ hours per week
• Start date: immediate

Process

1. A 25-minute conversational interview covering your background, experience, and motivations
2. Follow up within a few days with next steps and onboarding

We consider all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics and provide reasonable accommodations upon request.

Contract and Payment Terms

• You will be engaged as an independent contractor.
• This is a fully remote role that can be completed on your own schedule.
• Projects can be extended, shortened, or concluded early depending on needs and performance.
• Your work at Mercor will not involve access to confidential or proprietary information from any employer, client, or institution.
• Payments are weekly on Stripe or Wise based on services rendered.
• Please note: We are unable to support H1-B or STEM OPT candidates at this time.