At a Glance
- Tasks: Design challenging computational problems for AI to solve real scientific research tasks.
- Company: Join a pioneering team in astrophysics and AI innovation, fully remote.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, and the chance to work on groundbreaking projects.
- Other info: Work independently in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in science by testing AI's capabilities in astrophysics.
- Qualifications: Graduate-level expertise in astrophysics or cosmology and strong Python skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Computational Astrophysics & Cosmology Expert
About the Project
We're building a large-scale benchmark to test how well advanced AI systems can solve hard scientific and engineering problems. As a task designer, you'll create challenging computational problems that check whether AI can use real scientific software to do research-level work — running simulations, interpreting results, designing experiments, and uncovering hidden information from data. This isn't a typical data-labeling job. You'll design original, graduate-level problems based on real scientific workflows, test them against cutting-edge AI models, and fine-tune them until the difficulty is just right.
What You'll Do
You'll create problems that require skilled use of specialized scientific software. Some will ask the AI to compute exact answers from a fully defined setup — testing whether it can correctly carry out complex, multi-step workflows. Others will be harder: the AI must plan a series of queries or experiments to uncover information that isn't directly visible, which means thinking strategically about what to measure, how to read partial results, and how to narrow down the possibilities efficiently. Each problem goes through a testing loop against state-of-the-art AI models, and you'll refine it until it hits the target difficulty.
Domains & Tools We're Hiring For
We're especially interested in experts with deep, hands-on experience in:
- Astrophysics & Cosmology — working with astropy and related tools for cosmological calculations, angular power spectra, galaxy survey analysis, and observational data reduction pipelines. Experience with other specialized software in this domain will also be considered.
What Makes a Strong Candidate
You have graduate-level expertise (MS or PhD preferred) in the domain above, with real hands-on experience using these tools — not just theoretical knowledge. You've written code using these libraries to solve actual research problems, and you understand where they break, what their edge cases are, and what makes a problem genuinely hard rather than just complicated. Beyond domain expertise, the best candidates think like puzzle designers: building problems where the challenge comes from smart reasoning rather than raw computation, where several approaches seem plausible but only careful analysis reveals the right one, and where surface-level pattern matching won't get you to the answer.
Requirements
- Graduate-level training in a relevant STEM field (MS, PhD, or equivalent research experience)
- Proven proficiency with at least one of the listed scientific software libraries, shown through research publications, open-source contributions, or professional work
- Strong Python skills — you'll be writing problem setups, oracle functions, and solution validators
- Ability to work independently and refine problem designs based on feedback
- Comfortable working in a Linux/terminal environment with remote compute sandboxes
- Available for at least 15–20 hours per week
Nice to Have
- Experience across multiple listed domains or tools
- Familiarity with benchmark or evaluation design
- Background in scientific teaching or exam/problem-set design
- Experience with computational reproducibility and containerized environments
Astrophysics Researcher - Fully Remote in London employer: Mercor
At Mercor, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel in their roles. As a Remote Backend Engineer, you'll enjoy the flexibility of working from anywhere while collaborating with cutting-edge AI technology, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development. Our commitment to competitive compensation and a supportive environment makes Mercor an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding work in the tech industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Astrophysics Researcher - Fully Remote in London
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Mercor, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Mercor. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Astrophysics Researcher - Fully Remote in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Mercor. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Mercor. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mercor
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Mercor. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Mercor to drive research projects forward.
