1. Role Overview
Mercor is collaborating with a leading AI research lab on a project to advance frontier astronomy problem-solving. We are looking for astronomy experts who hold a PhD or Master’s degree, or have experience participating in the International Astronomy Olympiad (IAO). The goal of this project is to create novel, clear, and challenging Olympiad-style astronomy problems that cause frontier AI models to fail (i.e., generate an incorrect response) and to support the training of cutting-edge AI reasoning systems.
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 IAO-style astronomy problems to challenge frontier AI models
- Evaluate AI-generated solutions for correctness, clarity, and reasoning quality, and identify where models fail
- Identify logical flaws, incomplete reasoning, or insufficiently rigorous derivations
- Provide clear, concise, and correct solutions and reasoning, formatted in LaTeX
- Maintain extremely high standards of precision, scientific rigor, 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:
- Have a Master’s or PhD in astronomy (or a related field), or are an Olympiad participant or medalist in the IAO (preferred) or equivalent competitions (RAO, CAO, IAO TST, AAO, EuAO, USAAO, BAO, INAO, JAO, UAC, IAYPT, CAUT, etc.)
Other qualifications:
- Deep understanding of core theoretical and observational concepts in astronomy and astrophysics
- Ability to articulate reasoning and derivations clearly in written form
- Strong ability to evaluate the rigor and complexity of astronomy problems
- Rigorous attention to detail in verifying solutions
4. More About the Opportunity
- Expected commitment: 20 hours/week minimum; up to 40 hours/week available
- Project length: ~2 months, with potential for extension
- Rolling start dates; setup typically within 1–2 days of approval
6. Application Process
- Submit your resume or CV highlighting your astronomy background and relevant achievements
- Complete a brief interview (20–30 minutes)
- Submit a short form detailing your experience writing problems and competing in astronomy or related Olympiads
- Selected applicants will be contacted within a few days with next steps
We consider all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics and provide reasonable accommodations upon request.
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.
- Payments are weekly on Stripe or Wise based on services rendered.
- Please note: We are unable to support H1-B or STEM OPT candidates at this time.
About Mercor
Mercor partners with leading AI labs and enterprises to train frontier models using human expertise. You will work on projects that focus on training and enhancing AI systems. You will be paid competitively, collaborate with leading researchers, and help shape the next generation of AI systems in your area of expertise.