Mercor · STEM & research
STEM Researchers - MSc/PhD (Must own MacBook)
Listed on Mercor as “STEM Researchers - MSc/PhD (Must own MacBook)”
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 Researchers - MSc/PhD (Must own MacBook)) 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
Role Overview:
Mercor is looking for STEM researchers who hold or are currently pursuing an MSc or PhD to support a research project with a leading AI lab. You will work through real research workflows on your own Mac to help benchmark and improve cutting-edge AI models.
Qualifications:
- Required: You must own a MacBook or Mac with an Apple M-series chip or Intel processor, running macOS 15 or higher. Applicants without a Mac cannot be considered.
- Currently pursuing or have completed an MSc or PhD in a STEM field (e.g., physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, computer science, engineering)
- Hands-on research experience with tools such as Python/Jupyter, MATLAB, R, LaTeX, reference managers, or lab/data analysis software
- Strong online research skills and ability to gather and clearly summarize information from diverse sources
- Ability to clearly explain your reasoning while you work
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Job Details:
- Part-time commitment of approximately 10-20 hours per week
- Responsibilities include completing and narrating real research tasks (literature review, data analysis, modeling, technical writing) on your Mac to create high-quality training data for advanced AI models
- Clearly structured responsibilities without the high pressure typically found in internships or full-time consulting roles
- Immediate start preferred
Application and Onboarding Process:
- Submit your resume, followed by a brief (3-minute) conversation with our AI interviewer to assess research and reasoning skills
- Complete a brief paid assessment to further evaluate your fit for the role
- You will receive follow-up communication within a few days regarding your application status and next steps
Quoted from Mercor’s public listing on 2026-10-19.We don’t edit platform copy; honest framing is in the title and the “what this actually is” block above.
Related AI training jobs
Mercor · STEM & research
Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physicist (PhD)
$80-$110/hr · Remote · USD
Mercor · STEM & research
Biology Expert - review AI outputs in your specialty
$70-$105/hr · Remote · USD
Mercor · STEM & research
Biotech Investment Analyst — Drug Asset & Company Assessment - review AI outputs in your specialty
$120-$200/hr · Remote · USD
Mercor · STEM & research
Biotechnology Expert - review AI outputs in your specialty
$110-$125/hr · Remote · USD
More on this platform
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.
See all AI training jobs
Browse by category and compare across all eight platforms we cover.