Inorganic Materials, Semiconductor & Superconductor Experts

Mercor is seeking experimental scientists and engineers across inorganic synthesis, characterization, superconductors, and semiconductors (including advanced packaging) to support a frontier AI research lab building models for materials science and the physical sciences. This is hands-on, expert-level work: you'll apply deep, specialized knowledge to generate, structure, and evaluate the scientific data these models learn from — and your input will directly shape how advanced models reason about materials, devices, and processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute domain expertise across synthesis, characterization, fabrication, and device physics to build high-quality training and evaluation data.

• Review and evaluate AI-generated scientific reasoning, catching errors and improving technical accuracy.

• Design and solve challenging, expert-level problems in your area of specialization.

• Rate and rank model outputs against defined scientific criteria, with clear written reasoning.

• Structure technical knowledge — experimental procedures, characterization results, process data — into well-organized, model-ready data.

• Deliver reliable, high-quality work within defined timelines.

You're a strong fit if you have:

• Hands-on experimental experience in one or more of: inorganic synthesis (solid-state, solution, solvothermal, sol-gel), superconducting materials, or semiconductors and advanced packaging.

• Strong materials or device characterization skills (XRD, SEM, TEM, spectroscopy, electrical/transport measurements).

• Experience with thin-film growth or device fabrication (MBE/epitaxy, MOCVD, CVD, sputtering, IBAD, etch, clean-room microfabrication) — a plus.

• An advanced degree (PhD/MS) or equivalent hands-on experience in materials science, chemistry, physics, or a related engineering field.

• Clear written English and the ability to explain technical reasoning concisely.

Role Details:

• Type: Long-term, ongoing engagement

• Engagement: Up to 40 hours/week (minimum 10)

• Work arrangement: Remote (US-based)

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.