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Chemistry PhD Coding Experts

Company: Mercor · Pay: $70/hr · Location: Remote — Global · Type: part time · Posted: 2026-09-14

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$70 / hr

Bridging Quantum Chemistry and Frontier AI: The Rise of Scientific Benchmarking

Artificial intelligence has fundamentally transformed how we write software, process natural language, and analyze images. However, when it comes to advanced scientific research, quantum mechanics, and complex chemical computations, general-purpose large language models often hit a brick wall. Pushing artificial intelligence past these academic boundaries requires high-level human intellectual capital. Leading AI labs are urgently seeking elite scientific minds to author rigorous, executable challenges that test the limits of modern algorithms.

Through innovative platforms like Mercor, doctoral-level researchers and computational chemists have unprecedented access to high-paying, flexible remote contracts. The Chemistry PhD Coding Experts project pays a lucrative $70 per hour for part-time contracting work, enabling scientists to monetize their specialized doctoral training while directly shaping the future of scientific computing and AI reasoning.

Detailed Job Description & Core Responsibilities

This initiative is part of an ambitious new benchmark for scientific computing (Sci Code). As a domain expert, your mission is to design original, highly complex, and executable research problems that today's frontier models cannot solve. You will bridge the gap between theoretical chemistry, programming, and cutting-edge machine learning development.

Key Responsibilities & Workflow:

  • Material Sourcing: Source your own advanced material from published peer-reviewed papers, Kaggle datasets, open-source repositories, or meticulously engineered chemical scenarios.
  • Scientific Prompt Authoring: Craft detailed, precise scientific coding prompts based on your sourced input data and domain equations.
  • Grading Criteria Design: Build robust grading logic and test suites that definitively validate whether an AI-generated solution is correct.
  • Model Calibration: Benchmark and calibrate against frontier models, ensuring tasks ship only when state-of-the-art models fail more often than they succeed.
  • Version Control Workflow: Engage in a pull-request workflow utilizing Git, GitHub, and Docker, passing through automated quality checks for all submitted evaluation tasks.

Candidate Qualifications & Technical Requirements

Because these challenges are designed to stump state-of-the-art neural networks, the bar for entry is intentionally high. Applicants must demonstrate extensive academic pedigree coupled with hands-on coding proficiency.

Mandatory Requirements:
  • Academic Credentials: PhD in Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline.
  • Subdomain Depth: Demonstrated depth and expertise in both quantum chemistry and computational chemistry subdomains.
  • Programming Proficiency: Working proficiency in Python, R, or another relevant programming language specifically tailored for scientific computing and data analysis.
  • Technical Tools: Comfort navigating Git/GitHub repositories and executing code containers within Docker environments.

Preferred Qualifications: Proven record of publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals and prior experience in scientific software development or research engineering.

Engagement Terms, Flexibility, and Seamless Global Payouts

Independent contracting via Mercor provides exceptional career autonomy without sacrificing financial security or professional growth:

  • Project Duration & Commitment: The initial engagement spans 6 weeks on a part-time basis (20+ hours per week), starting immediately.
  • Complete Remote Flexibility: Complete your evaluation authoring on your own schedule from anywhere within supported regions (note: H1-B or STEM OPT support is unavailable).
  • Reliable Weekly Remuneration: Enjoy dependable weekly payments processed seamlessly via Stripe or Wise based directly on services rendered.

Why This Opportunity Matters for Computational Chemists

Traditional academic postdocs and industrial research positions often come with heavy administrative burdens, rigid institutional structures, and restrictive overhead. For PhDs looking for high-impact advisory work, AI benchmarking represents a thrilling new frontier. You get to apply your hard-earned doctoral expertise to evaluating machine learning models, all while earning an exceptional $70 hourly rate.

Furthermore, participating in the creation of AI training benchmarks places you at the vanguard of tech-driven scientific discovery. As AI systems become integrated into drug discovery, materials science, and quantum simulation, your contributions will echo across future technological breakthroughs.

Streamlined Application Process

Mercor’s hiring infrastructure is designed for speed and fairness. Rather than enduring endless rounds of corporate interviews, qualified candidates undergo a swift, streamlined workflow:

  1. Submit your resume and complete the initial online application form.
  2. Participate in a brief 25-minute conversational interview discussing your academic background, coding experience, and professional motivations.
  3. Receive prompt feedback and onboarding instructions within days of your interview.

High-caliber scientific positions fill up quickly as early applicant cohorts close. If you possess a PhD in chemistry and a passion for coding, secure your contract today.

Responsibilities

  • Material Sourcing: Source your own advanced material from published peer-reviewed papers, Kaggle datasets, open-source repositories, or meticulously engineered chemical scenarios.
  • Scientific Prompt Authoring: Craft detailed, precise scientific coding prompts based on your sourced input data and domain equations.
  • Grading Criteria Design: Build robust grading logic and test suites that definitively validate whether an AI-generated solution is correct.
  • Model Calibration: Benchmark and calibrate against frontier models, ensuring tasks ship only when state-of-the-art models fail more often than they succeed.
  • Version Control Workflow: Engage in a pull-request workflow utilizing Git, GitHub, and Docker, passing through automated quality checks for all submitted evaluation tasks.

Qualifications

  • Academic Credentials: PhD in Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline.
  • Subdomain Depth: Demonstrated depth and expertise in both quantum chemistry and computational chemistry subdomains.
  • Programming Proficiency: Working proficiency in Python, R, or another relevant programming language specifically tailored for scientific computing and data analysis.
  • Technical Tools: Comfort navigating Git/GitHub repositories and executing code containers within Docker environments.

Apply now →