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Mercor · STEM & research

STEM Researchers - MSc/PhD (Must own MacBook)

Listed on Mercor as “STEM Researchers - MSc/PhD (Must own MacBook)”

$50-$60/hrRemoteContractPaid in USD
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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.

Apply on Mercor