Remote Astrophysics & Cosmology AI Designer (Contract)

Mercor; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; GBP 73,000 - 104,000; Part time

Job summary

Mercor is seeking an Astrophysics & Cosmology Expert to design computational problems for AI testing. This remote contract role requires 15–20 hours per week and emphasizes Python-based problem setups and validation in a Linux environment.

Ideal candidates have MS/PhD or equivalent research experience, strong Python skills, and familiarity with astropy. The position offers a flexible remote schedule and access to state-of-the-art AI platforms.

Qualifications

• Graduate-level training (MS, PhD, or equivalent research), or demonstrable research experience.
• Proven proficiency with scientific software libraries through research publications or professional work.
• Strong Python skills for writing problem setups and validators.
• Comfortable in a Linux/terminal environment with remote compute sandboxes.
• Available for 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 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

Independent work

Education

MS or PhD in a relevant STEM field

Tools

astropy

Job description

Mercor is seeking an Astrophysics & Cosmology Expert to design computational problems for AI testing. This remote contract role requires 15–20 hours per week and emphasizes Python-based problem setups and validation in a Linux environment.

Ideal candidates have MS/PhD or equivalent research experience, strong Python skills, and familiarity with astropy. The position offers a flexible remote schedule and access to state-of-the-art AI platforms.