Prompt Academy Fellowship

Mercor is launching the Prompt Academy, an optional, paid professional development program for experts interested in understanding how prompt design and evaluation are used in modern AI research. The Academy provides informational insights into how prompts influence model behavior and how researchers study model limitations. It does not prescribe how contractors must perform services.

We work with independent professionals who apply their own expertise, judgment, and methodology. The Academy simply introduces conceptual tools used in the broader AI evaluation field.

Professionals who complete the Academy may opt in to be considered for Mercor’s high-value expert opportunities.

About the Academy

This is a paid, ~4-hour, self-paced course designed to help experts understand the frameworks commonly used to study and stress-test AI systems. These materials are provided solely for context—not as instructions for how your services must be performed.

Upon completion, you may choose to make yourself eligible for Mercor’s expert projects (typically $50–$100/hr).

What You Will Learn

Participants receive an overview of two major concepts used across the AI alignment and evaluation industry:

Part 1: The Architecture of a Strong Prompt

A high-level framework for thinking about prompt structure—such as how context, clarity, and constraints can shape interactions with AI models.

Part 2: Understanding Model Failure Modes

An introduction to how researchers identify reasoning limitations in large language models. You will explore examples of complex tasks that highlight model weaknesses, including when errors reveal deeper reasoning gaps rather than simple retrieval issues.

These modules are intended to provide an informational foundation that you may or may not choose to apply in your own work.

Who We Are Looking For

We welcome experts from any discipline who bring their own knowledge and standards:

Deep Expertise: You understand the nuance of your field and can articulate distinctions that matter to real-world professionals. Critical Thinking: You can spot subtle errors or logic gaps in AI systems. Curiosity: You are interested in exploring the boundaries of what today’s AI models can and cannot do.

Experts maintain full autonomy in how they approach any future project work.

Project Details & Compensation

• Stipend: $50–$150 upon successful completion of the Academy assessments.

• Time Commitment: Approximately ~4 hours (self-paced).

• Future Opportunities: Graduates may opt in to be considered for long-term Expert Contributor roles focused on evaluating AI capabilities.

• Requirements: No paid AI tools or subscriptions are required; publicly available tools are sufficient.

Why Participate?

Professional Development

Gain insight into prompt design and evaluation methodologies used in frontier AI research.

Contribute to AI Progress

Your independent perspective helps researchers better understand where models struggle.

Access High-Value Work

Completion makes you eligible for consideration for Mercor’s specialized, high-rate expert opportunities.

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