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Inorganic Materials, Semiconductor & Superconductor Experts

Mercor is seeking experimental scientists and engineers across inorganic synthesis, characterization, superconductors, and semiconductors (including advanced packaging) to support a frontier AI research lab building models for materials science and the physical sciences.

United States$84 per hour
Hiring companyMercor
Application processN/ANo approved reviews yet
Work experienceN/ANo approved reviews yet

About the role

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, devices, and processes.

Role Details:

  • Type: Long-term, ongoing engagement.
  • Engagement: Up to 40 hours/week (minimum 10).
  • Work arrangement: Remote (US-based).

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.

Responsibilities

  • Contribute domain expertise across synthesis, characterization, fabrication, and device physics 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 your area of specialization.
  • Rate and rank model outputs against defined scientific criteria, with clear written reasoning.
  • Structure technical knowledge — experimental procedures, characterization results, process data — into well-organized, model-ready data.
  • Deliver reliable, high-quality work within defined timelines.

Required skills

  • Hands-on experimental experience in one or more of: inorganic synthesis (solid-state, solution, solvothermal, sol-gel), superconducting materials, or semiconductors and advanced packaging.
  • Strong materials or device characterization skills (XRD, SEM, TEM, spectroscopy, electrical/transport measurements).
  • Experience with thin-film growth or device fabrication (MBE/epitaxy, MOCVD, CVD, sputtering, IBAD, etch, clean-room microfabrication) — a plus.
  • An advanced degree (PhD/MS) or equivalent hands-on experience in materials science, chemistry, physics, or a related engineering field.
  • Clear written English and the ability to explain technical reasoning concisely.

Eligibility

Work arrangement: Fully remote

Eligible countries: United States

  • Please note: We are unable to support H1-B or STEM OPT candidates at this time.

Compensation details

$84 per hour.

  • Payments are weekly on Stripe or Wise based on services rendered.
More about the hiring companyMercor
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