Published Bioinformaticians

About the Role

At Mercor, we are partnering with top AI labs in applying AI to complex scientific challenges to build a state-of-the-art benchmark to evaluate the capabilities of the lab’s AI models in the field of bioinformatics.

Our goal is to test a model's ability to autonomously design and execute complex bioinformatics workflows, starting from raw sequencing data and a natural language prompt. This project requires a sophisticated blend of tool proficiency, deep biological domain knowledge, and rigorous scientific reasoning. We are seeking talented researchers to help us create these benchmark tasks using real-world, published scientific data.

A brief 15-minute interview precedes candidate selection, with decisions typically made within four days following assessment completion. Currently, applicants must be based in the U.S., UK, or Canada.

Why You’re a Great Fit

You're a strong candidate if you:

• Must be a current graduate student (M.S. or Ph.D.) or hold a higher degree (e.g., Postdoctoral Fellow, Research Scientist) in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Genomics, or a related quantitative field.

• Must have recently authored a paper on Bioinformatics (These are critical requirements for applicants, please read through them carefully before applying)

  • The paper should be published in 2024 or later (biorxiv or arxiv DOES count)

  • The paper should have publicly deposited sequencing data (on SRA, etc, or on a stable URL provided by the authors)

  • The paper must have used at least 3 command-line bioinformatics tools (BWA, BLAST, samtools, alphafold, etc or any listed here https://usegalaxy.org/)

• Demonstrate exceptional attention to detail and rigorous problem-solving skills.

• Excel in both written and verbal communication.

Role Highlights

• Flexible workload: 10–20 hours weekly, with the potential to scale to 40 hours.

We consider all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics and provide reasonable accommodations upon request.

Contract and Payment Terms

• You will be engaged as an independent contractor.
• This is a fully remote role that can be completed on your own schedule.
• Projects can be extended, shortened, or concluded early depending on needs and performance.
• Your work at Mercor will not involve access to confidential or proprietary information from any employer, client, or institution.
• Payments are weekly on Stripe or Wise based on services rendered.
• Please note: We are unable to support H1-B or STEM OPT candidates at this time.

About Mercor

Mercor partners with leading AI labs and enterprises to train frontier models using human expertise. You will work on projects that focus on training and enhancing AI systems. You will be paid competitively, collaborate with leading researchers, and help shape the next generation of AI systems in your area of expertise.