Remote ALD Expert for AI-Driven Semiconductors

Parailabs; United States; Remote; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercor is seeking experts in Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) and thin-film processes to support a frontier AI research lab. This is hands-on, expert-level work shaping data for models that reason about deposition and semiconductor processes.

Ideal candidates have advanced degrees or equivalent experience in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or physics, with strong English communication and remote-work ability for US-based engagement.

Qualifications

• Hands-on ALD process development, optimization, or troubleshooting.
• Deep knowledge of thin-film deposition for semiconductors.
• Strong grasp of precursor chemistry and surface reactions.
• Experience with materials characterization (XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, ellipsometry, etc.).
• Advanced degree (PhD/MS) or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Clear written English with precise technical reasoning.

Responsibilities

• Contribute ALD expertise to build high-quality training and evaluation data.
• Review AI-generated reasoning for technical accuracy.
• Design expert-level problems in ALD and semiconductor processing.
• Rate model outputs with clear written reasoning.
• Structure process parameters, recipes and results into model-ready data.
• Deliver reliable work within defined timelines.

Skills

ALD processes

Thin-film deposition

Precursor chemistry

Materials characterization

Written English

Education

PhD/MS in materials science

Tools

XRD

SEM

TEM

XPS

Job description

Mercor is seeking experts in Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) and thin-film processes to support a frontier AI research lab building models for semiconductors and the physical sciences. This is hands-on, expert-level work: you'll apply deep, specialized knowledge to generate, structure, and evaluate the scientific data these models learn from — and your input will directly shape how advanced models reason about deposition, materials, and semiconductor processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute domain expertise across ALD process development, precursor chemistry, and thin-film characterization to build high-quality training and evaluation data.
• Review and evaluate AI-generated scientific reasoning, catching errors and improving technical accuracy.
• Design and solve challenging, expert-level problems in ALD and semiconductor processing.
• Rate and rank model outputs against defined scientific criteria, with clear written reasoning.
• Structure technical knowledge — process parameters, recipes, characterization results — into well-organized, model-ready data.
• Deliver reliable, high-quality work within defined timelines. You're a strong fit if you have:
• Hands-on experience developing, optimizing, or troubleshooting ALD processes.
• Deep knowledge of thin-film deposition for semiconductor or advanced-packaging applications.
• A strong grasp of precursor chemistry and surface reaction mechanisms.
• Experience with materials characterization (XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, ellipsometry, etc.).
• An advanced degree (PhD/MS) or equivalent hands-on experience in materials science, chemistry, chemical engineering, or physics.
• Clear written English and the ability to explain technical reasoning precisely. Role Details:
• Type: Long-term, ongoing engagement
• Engagement: Up to 40 hours/week (minimum 10)
• Work arrangement: Remote (US-based)