Astronomy Expert (PhD, Master's, or Olympiad Participants)

### 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
• ### 5\. Compensation & Contract Terms -
• $60–80 / hr
• , dependent on experience and performance - Open to contributors
• worldwide
• (English proficiency required) -
• Independent contractor
• engagement -
• Payments issued weekly
• via Stripe Connect ### 6\. Application Process 1. Submit your
• resume or CV
• highlighting your astronomy background and relevant achievements 2. Complete a brief
• interview (20–30 minutes)
• 3. Submit a
• short form
• detailing your experience writing problems and competing in astronomy or related Olympiads 4. Selected applicants will be contacted within a few days with next steps ### 7\. 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 such as science, engineering, and research have partnered with Mercor to contribute to
• frontier AI projects
• shaping the next era of technology. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics and provide reasonable accommodations upon request.