Data Science Expert

1. Role Overview

Mercor is partnering with a leading AI research organization to engage experienced data scientists for a project focused on evaluating how well AI systems perform real-world data science work. Rather than producing deliverables yourself, you will define what excellent work looks like: designing task-specific grading criteria and scoring completed work samples with rigorous, well-reasoned written justifications.

2. Key Responsibilities

• Design precise, task-specific grading criteria for real-world data science deliverables (analyses, models, dashboards, experiment readouts, and written recommendations)

• Score AI-generated and human work samples against those criteria, with detailed written justifications for every score

• Apply consistent, evidence-based judgment so that scores are reproducible and defensible

• Incorporate structured feedback from senior reviewers and iterate quickly on your work

3. Ideal Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional data science experience in industry

• Background in business operations, product, or growth data science at top-tier technology companies

• Deep fluency in experiment design and A/B testing, metric definition, SQL/Python analysis, and communicating findings to executive stakeholders

• Exceptionally strong written communication

• Detail-oriented, consistent, and comfortable having your judgment reviewed and calibrated against peers

• Prior experience with AI training, evaluation, or human-data projects is a strong plus

4. Application Process

• Submit your resume or relevant technical background to get started

• Qualified applicants may be asked to complete a brief technical assessment or submit additional information

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.