Mercor
PhD-Level Computational Biologist — Design Data-Centric Benchmarks for AI Models
Mercor, San Francisco, California, United States, 94199
PhD-Level Computational Biologist — Design Data-Centric Benchmarks for AI Models
Mercor is seeking computational biology experts to contribute to a unique project with a top-tier AI research organization. This short-term initiative challenges AI models with hidden-answer “mystery problems” grounded in real biological data. Experts will design, validate, and anonymize complex datasets to evaluate model reasoning capabilities, not lookup accuracy. This is a compelling opportunity for data-driven life scientists to shape next-generation AI evaluation benchmarks.
Key Responsibilities
Design biologically grounded problems with a single correct answer and ≥20 plausible distractors
Identify, download, and preprocess datasets from public repositories (e.g., GEO, SRA, NCBI)
Subsample and anonymize datasets to prevent metadata-based inference
Independently validate solutions through custom analysis pipelines and visualizations
Operate within technical constraints (e.g., file size, task time limits)
Ideal Qualifications
Hands‑on experience analyzing sequencing or omics datasets (e.g., RNA‑seq, WGS, mass spec)
Proficient with bioinformatics tools and formats (e.g., BLAST, samtools, DESeq2, FASTA/FASTQ/BAM)
Comfortable coding in Python, R, or bash, and working in Jupyter notebooks
Understanding of biological experiment design and lab‑to‑data nuances (e.g., batch effects)
Advanced degree (MS, PhD) or research background in computational biology, genomics, or bioinformatics
More About the Opportunity
Remote and asynchronous — set your own schedule
Expected commitment: 15–20 hours/week
Project duration: 1 month
Potential for additional projects based on performance and interest
Compensation & Contract Terms
$65–85/hour depending on experience and geography
Paid weekly via Stripe Connect
Structured as a freelance contract — independent contractor status
Application Process
Submit your resume to get started
Qualified applicants will complete a short form assessing technical experience
Follow‑up steps may include a sample task or review call
Responses typically within 3–5 business days
About Mercor
Mercor is a talent marketplace that connects top experts with leading AI labs and research organizations.
Our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Adam D’Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.
Thousands of professionals across domains such as law, creative, engineering, and research have joined Mercor to work on frontier projects shaping the next era of AI.
Job Details Seniority level: Not Applicable
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industries: Software Development
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Key Responsibilities
Design biologically grounded problems with a single correct answer and ≥20 plausible distractors
Identify, download, and preprocess datasets from public repositories (e.g., GEO, SRA, NCBI)
Subsample and anonymize datasets to prevent metadata-based inference
Independently validate solutions through custom analysis pipelines and visualizations
Operate within technical constraints (e.g., file size, task time limits)
Ideal Qualifications
Hands‑on experience analyzing sequencing or omics datasets (e.g., RNA‑seq, WGS, mass spec)
Proficient with bioinformatics tools and formats (e.g., BLAST, samtools, DESeq2, FASTA/FASTQ/BAM)
Comfortable coding in Python, R, or bash, and working in Jupyter notebooks
Understanding of biological experiment design and lab‑to‑data nuances (e.g., batch effects)
Advanced degree (MS, PhD) or research background in computational biology, genomics, or bioinformatics
More About the Opportunity
Remote and asynchronous — set your own schedule
Expected commitment: 15–20 hours/week
Project duration: 1 month
Potential for additional projects based on performance and interest
Compensation & Contract Terms
$65–85/hour depending on experience and geography
Paid weekly via Stripe Connect
Structured as a freelance contract — independent contractor status
Application Process
Submit your resume to get started
Qualified applicants will complete a short form assessing technical experience
Follow‑up steps may include a sample task or review call
Responses typically within 3–5 business days
About Mercor
Mercor is a talent marketplace that connects top experts with leading AI labs and research organizations.
Our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Adam D’Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.
Thousands of professionals across domains such as law, creative, engineering, and research have joined Mercor to work on frontier projects shaping the next era of AI.
Job Details Seniority level: Not Applicable
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industries: Software Development
#J-18808-Ljbffr