Mercor · STEM & research
STEM PhDs and Technical Domain Experts
Listed on Mercor as “STEM PhDs and Technical Domain Experts”
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 (STEM PhDs and Technical Domain Experts) 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
Mercor is seeking STEM PhDs and Technical Domain Experts for a premier project with one of the world's top AI labs. This role pays between $55-90/hour.
In this role, you will contribute your subject matter expertise to a cutting-edge project involving state-of-the-art large language models. Specifically, you will help create high-quality data that will inform the future of AI innovation by coming up with difficult problems in your domain.
You're a good fit if you:
- Have a PhD or advanced degree (or equivalent industry experience) in one of the following domains: Medicine / Healthcare, Statistics and Data Science, AI / ML Research, Computer Science, Game Development or Mechanical / Aerospace Engineering
- Have high attention to detail
- Have exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Screening Process:
- You will need to complete a short interview and task that will take 20-30 mins and we will pay for up to 1hour of onboarding time including this and a few onboarding videos if you are hired.
Currently, we are only accepting applicants from the U.S., UK, and Canada.
Apply today and leverage your leadership and technical expertise to advance cutting-edge AI models!
Quoted from Mercor’s public listing on 2026-07-07. 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.
Mercor review: AI-interview talent network
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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