1. Role Overview
Mercor is collaborating with a leading AI research lab on a project to advance frontier biology problem-solving. We are seeking biology experts with International biology Olympiad (IBO) experience ( participants, medalist, problem-setters, coaches, graders, selection committee members ). The goal of this project is to create novel, clear, and challenging Olympiad-style biology problems that cause the frontier AI models to fail (i.e. generate an incorrect response) and support the training of cutting-edge AI models.
This is a short-term, high impact, remote opportunity for those excited about applying their expertise to frontier AI research, with the possibility of extension based on performance.
2. Key Responsibilities
- Write original & advanced IBO-style biology problems to challenge frontier AI models
- Evaluate AI-generated solutions for correctness, clarity and style and identify where models fail
- Identify logical flaws, incomplete reasoning, or insufficiently-rigorous proofs
- Provide clear, concise, and correct solutions & chain of thought reasoning using proper LaTeX formatting
- Maintain extremely high standards of precision and problem difficulty
3. Required Qualifications
Note : Applicants must be highly proficient in writing and formatting documents using LaTeX
You are a good fit for the project if you have any of the following experiences :
Olympiad medalist, problem setter, coach, or selection committee member in IBO (preferred) or equivalent competitions (RBO, CBO, IBO TST, ABO, EUBO, USABO, BBO, INBO, JBO, UBC, IBO Challenge, NSBO, etc.)Or as a graduate researcher or educator experienced in designing advanced conceptual or quantitative problems in the sciences.Other qualifications :
Deep understanding of your domain's core theoretical and experimental conceptsAbility to articulate reasoning and derivations clearly in written formStrong ability to evaluate the rigor and complexity of biology problemsRigorous attention to detail in verifying solutions4. More About the Opportunity
Expected commitment : 20 hours / week minimum; up to 40 hours / week availableApproximate project length : : 2 months, with extension potentialRolling start dates; setup typically within 1–2 days of approval5. Compensation & Contract Terms
$60-80 / hr dependent on experience + performanceOpen to contributors worldwide (English proficiency required)Independent contractor engagementPayments issued weekly via Stripe Connect6. Application Process
Submit your resume or CV highlighting biology background and relevant achievementsComplete a brief interview (20–30 minutes)Submit a short form detailing your experience writing problems and competing in biology competitionsSelected applicants will be contacted within a few days with next steps7. About Mercor
Mercor is a talent marketplace that connects top experts with leading AI labs and research organizations.Our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.Thousands of professionals across domains like law, creatives, engineering, and research have partnered with Mercor to contribute to frontier projects shaping the next era of AI.We consider all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics and provide reasonable accommodations upon request.
Skills Required
Latex