Space Science Tutor

1. Role Overview

Mercor is partnering with a leading AI research organization to engage professionals with advanced expertise in Space Science. As an AI Tutor – Space Science Specialist, you will play a critical role in training and refining advanced AI systems to reason accurately about astrophysics, astronomy, and planetary sciences. This full-time position is ideal for scientists and researchers eager to apply their academic and professional experience to shape the next generation of intelligent technologies.

You will collaborate closely with world-class technical teams to deliver high-quality annotations, develop sophisticated datasets, and guide AI models through complex scientific reasoning. Your expertise will help improve the model's understanding of phenomena across astrophysics, cosmology, planetary science, and related fields. This role requires analytical precision, strong research skills, and the ability to adapt quickly to evolving project goals in a dynamic research environment.

2. Key Responsibilities

• Use proprietary software to annotate and label scientific data, research outputs, and AI-generated text across defined projects
• Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality, curated data that strengthens AI model performance
• Collaborate with technical teams to develop and refine annotation workflows and tools for enhanced efficiency
• Select problems from space science disciplines that align with your area of expertise, providing detailed solutions and carefully evaluating model responses for accuracy and depth
• Evaluate AI-generated reasoning and provide clear, evidence-based feedback to improve model accuracy
• Interpret and execute complex task instructions, exercising sound professional judgment and scientific rigor
• Engage with evolving research objectives, contributing to the development of new AI capabilities in physics and space science

3. Ideal Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in astrophysics, astronomy, physics, or a closely related field
• Deep expertise and specialization in one or more space sciences domains, including galactic astronomy, extragalactic astronomy, observational astronomy, stellar astrophysics, high-energy astrophysics, cosmology, planetary science, Earth sciences, astroparticle physics, general relativity, or interdisciplinary space sciences
• Excellent command of English, both written and verbal
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and apply critical reasoning with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated passion for scientific advancement, data-driven research, and AI innovation

4. Preferred Background

• PhD in physics, astronomy, or astrophysics, with publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Proven research experience with one or more first-author papers in relevant scientific areas
• Prior teaching, tutoring, or mentoring experience at the university level
• Experience in technical writing, research communication, or academic publishing
• Previous experience contributing to AI training or data evaluation projects

5. Work Environment and Schedule

• Location: Fully remote
• Remote roles require strong self-motivation and reliability
• U.S.-based applicants must reside outside of Wyoming and Illinois
• Visa sponsorship is not available
• Schedule: 9:00am–5:30pm PST for the first two weeks of training, then 9:00am–5:30pm in your local timezone
• For those working from personal devices, your computer must be a Chromebook, Mac (macOS 11+), or Windows 10+ device, and you must have reliable smartphone access

6. Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive pay ranging from $90,000 to $200,000 annually for U.S.-based professionals, depending on experience and location
• For international candidates, our recruiting team will provide an estimated pay range based on your location
• Medical benefits vary by country; full-time roles may include coverage based on your location
• Collaborate with leading scientists and engineers at the forefront of AI and astrophysics
• Engage in meaningful work that helps shape the scientific intelligence of next-generation AI systems

7. Application Process

• Submit your resume
• Complete a 20-minute interview focused on your expertise and research background

• Selected applicants will move through the following steps:

• 15-minute phone interview to discuss qualifications and domain experience

• Technical deep dive covering your research and data annotation capabilities
• A meet-and-greet with the broader research team
• The entire process is typically completed within one week of initial contact

8. About Mercor

Mercor is based in San Francisco, CA and specializes in recruiting experts for top AI labs. Our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Peter Thiel, Adam D'Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.