Remote Astronomy Expert; PhD, Master's, or Olympiad Participants - AI Trainer

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.

• 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

Note:

Applicants must be highly proficient in writing and formatting documents using LaTeX

• 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.)
• 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

• 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

We consider all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics and provide reasonable accommodations upon request.