Are you a researcher in phylogenetics, evolutionary biology, genetics, or bioinformatics looking for a flexible remote opportunity? Mercor is currently seeking Phylogenetics PhDs and Domain Experts to contribute to an exciting AI research project with one of the world’s leading artificial intelligence laboratories.
This fully remote contractor position offers competitive compensation of $55 to $80 per hour and allows experts to apply their scientific knowledge to help train and improve next-generation AI systems.
About the Opportunity
Mercor partners with top AI research organizations to build and enhance advanced large language models (LLMs). In this role, you’ll use your expertise in phylogenetics and related biological sciences to create challenging scientific problems and high-quality datasets that help AI systems develop stronger reasoning and scientific understanding.
Rather than conducting traditional academic research, you’ll help shape the future of artificial intelligence by providing domain-specific knowledge and expert-level problem design.
Job Overview
- Position: Phylogenetics PhD & Domain Expert (Zion / Arches)
- Company: Mercor
- Work Type: Independent Contractor
- Location: Fully Remote
- Pay Rate: $55–$80 per hour
- Industry: Artificial Intelligence Research
- Payment Method: Weekly via Stripe or Wise
Eligible Countries
Currently, Mercor is accepting applications only from:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
Applicants must reside in one of these countries to be eligible.
What You’ll Do
Create Challenging Scientific Problems
Develop complex, domain-specific questions and scenarios that test the reasoning abilities of advanced AI models.
Contribute Subject Matter Expertise
Apply your academic and research knowledge in fields such as:
- Phylogenetics
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genetics
- Genomics
- Bioinformatics
- Computational Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Ecology and Evolution
Improve AI Training Data
Help create accurate and scientifically rigorous datasets that improve AI performance on biological and evolutionary science topics.
Review Scientific Content
Evaluate and refine research-based tasks to ensure they meet high standards of scientific accuracy and complexity.
Advance AI Innovation
Support leading AI laboratories in developing more capable and knowledgeable large language models.
Required Qualifications
Candidates should possess:
Advanced Academic Background
One of the following is strongly preferred:
- PhD in Evolutionary Biology
- PhD in Phylogenetics
- PhD in Genetics
- PhD in Genomics
- PhD in Bioinformatics
- PhD in Computational Biology
- PhD in Molecular Biology
- PhD in Ecology and Evolution
Equivalent Research Experience
Researchers with substantial professional or academic experience in these disciplines may also be considered.
Preferred Areas of Expertise
Successful candidates often have experience with:
Phylogenetic Analysis
Including:
- Evolutionary tree construction
- Comparative genomics
- Evolutionary modeling
- Species relationship analysis
Bioinformatics
Knowledge of:
- Sequence analysis
- Genomic data interpretation
- Computational biology tools
- Biological databases
Evolutionary Research
Experience studying:
- Population genetics
- Molecular evolution
- Species diversification
- Evolutionary mechanisms
Essential Skills
High Attention to Detail
Ability to identify scientific inaccuracies and maintain rigorous quality standards.
Strong Communication Skills
Excellent written and verbal communication is essential for explaining complex biological concepts clearly.
Analytical Thinking
Comfortable working with scientific reasoning, complex datasets, and research-driven problem solving.
Screening Process
Applicants will complete:
Short Interview
A brief discussion focused on expertise and communication skills.
Evaluation Task
A short assignment that typically requires 20–30 minutes to complete.
Paid Onboarding
Candidates who are selected will receive compensation for:
- The screening task
- Onboarding materials
- Training videos
Mercor pays for up to one hour of onboarding activities.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
Competitive Compensation
Earn between $55 and $80 per hour while working remotely.
Flexible Schedule
Work on your own timetable without fixed office hours.
Collaborate with Leading AI Labs
Contribute to projects supporting some of the most advanced AI systems currently being developed.
Apply Academic Expertise
Use your specialized scientific knowledge outside traditional academic or research environments.
Weekly Payments
Receive payments every week through Stripe or Wise.
Potential for Future Projects
High-performing contributors may be invited to participate in additional AI research initiatives.
Contract Information
Important details include:
- Independent contractor engagement
- Fully remote work environment
- Flexible schedule
- Project duration may vary depending on business needs
- Weekly compensation based on completed work
- No access to confidential employer or client information
- H1-B and STEM OPT candidates are currently not eligible
Final Thoughts
The Phylogenetics PhD & Domain Expert role at Mercor offers a unique opportunity for researchers and scientists to apply their expertise to one of the fastest-growing fields in technology: artificial intelligence. By helping develop high-quality scientific datasets and challenging biological reasoning tasks, you’ll play a direct role in improving the capabilities of future AI systems.
If you have a strong background in phylogenetics, evolutionary biology, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, or related disciplines, this remote opportunity combines flexible work, competitive pay, and meaningful scientific impact.