Atomistic & Surface Modeling Experts (Computational Materials & Catalysis)

Mercor is seeking computational scientists specializing in atomistic and surface modeling 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, surfaces, and chemical processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute domain expertise across first-principles and molecular simulation — electronic structure, surface and interface modeling, adsorption, and reaction energetics — 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 atomistic and surface modeling.
• Rate and rank model outputs against defined scientific criteria, with clear written reasoning.
• Structure technical knowledge — simulation setups, methods, and results — into well-organized, model-ready data.
• Deliver reliable, high-quality work within defined timelines.

You're a strong fit if you have:

• Hands-on experience with atomistic modeling using first-principles or molecular methods (DFT, ab initio molecular dynamics, classical MD, or Monte Carlo).
• Experience modeling surfaces, interfaces, and adsorption or reaction phenomena (slab models, surface reconstructions, transition states, NEB, microkinetics).
• Experience modeling semiconductor-relevant materials, or a background in computational (heterogeneous) catalysis.
• Proficiency with standard tooling (e.g., VASP, Quantum ESPRESSO, CP2K, GPAW, LAMMPS, ASE, pymatgen).
• A PhD in materials science, chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, or a related field, ideally with several years of research experience beyond the PhD.
• 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.