Mercor · STEM & research
ML Research PhD Experts (ICML / NeurIPS / ICLR Publications)
Listed on Mercor as “ML Research PhD Experts (ICML / NeurIPS / ICLR Publications)”
What this actually is
You design problems that stump current AI models, evaluate AI reasoning against the correct answer, write rubrics, and provide expert feedback. Often the highest-paid category because the expertise pool is small. The platform title (ML Research PhD Experts (ICML / NeurIPS / ICLR Publications)) reflects the rate band and the expertise required, not the day-to-day work.
Can you do this on your visa?
F-2 / F-4 / F-5 / F-6: open. E-1 to E-7: needs concurrent-employment permit. D-2 / D-4 students: S-3 permit, 20 hr/week cap. D-10 / D-8: case by case.
Korean tax on USD income
First 5 years in Korea: foreign-source income only taxed if remitted into Korea. After year 5: worldwide income. Full tax guide.
Original posting from Mercor
Overview
We're looking to rapidly assemble a small group of world-class machine learning researchers for an initial pilot. This is a high-priority engagement with an accelerated timeline, so both exceptional candidate quality and fast turnaround are critical. We're specifically seeking researchers with demonstrated contributions to frontier ML research, particularly those driving algorithmic innovation rather than applied analytics.
Candidate Requirements
Required Qualifications
- PhD in Machine Learning, Computer Science, AI, or a closely related field
- Published at least one main conference paper at ICML, NeurIPS, or ICLR
- Strong preference for candidates with 2+ publications at these venues
- Demonstrated experience conducting original ML research
Preferred Research Areas
- Reinforcement Learning (RL)
- Meta-Learning
- Recursive Self-Improvement
- AI for Science (e.g. weather forecasting, protein modeling, scientific discovery)
Timeline
Priority: Urgent
Expected Schedule
- Initial data/results: Monday / Tuesday 27th July
Success Criteria
Candidates should have a proven record of advancing state-of-the-art machine learning through publications at top-tier conferences and possess deep expertise in frontier ML research. Speed of sourcing is important, but quality should not be compromised.
Quoted from Mercor’s public listing on 2026-08-04. We don’t edit platform copy; honest framing is in the title and the “what this actually is” block above.
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About Mercor
AI-interview-based talent network. One application, voice interview with their AI, then matched to projects across coding, research, and specialist work. Pay scales with track and seniority.
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4.1/5 on Glassdoor, fastest-growing platform in the category (+509% YoY). What the AI video interview actually asks, real pay across coding/research/medical/legal/finance tracks ($25-$200/hr), and the project-availability problem.
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