At a Glance
- Tasks: Write and evaluate prompts for AI models on hazardous compounds.
- Company: Mercor, a leader in chemistry and chemical safety.
- Benefits: Flexible work environment, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Engaging role with a focus on safety and ethical considerations.
- Why this job: Join a team tackling real-world challenges with cutting-edge AI technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in hazardous compound analysis and strong technical writing skills.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
About the work
Mercor is assembling a panel of chemistry and chemical safety experts to red-team frontier AI models.
The goal is to test whether a model can correctly judge the misuse potential of a technical request — answering legitimate questions fully while refusing genuinely dangerous ones.
You will
- Write challenging single-turn prompts in your domain, labelled across three levels: benign, dual-use, and adversarial.
- Evaluate the responses that come back against a defined policy standard, and judge whether each was handled correctly.
- Write the reference answer — what a correct response looks like, and the technical reasoning for why.
This domain lives on the dual-use line more than most.
The same method that detects a hazardous compound at trace level defines the threshold someone would try to stay beneath; the same library entry that identifies an unknown tells you what a screen will and won't see.
A model that refuses a routine method-validation question is failing as badly as one that answers a question it shouldn't.
Drawing that line reliably is why we need practitioners rather than generalists.
Background we're looking for
We're looking for analysts who have built and validated methods for hazardous compounds — people who know what a detection limit really means and what it implies.
What matters most is being able to tell a routine professional question from one that's fishing for something else: the same detection method that finds a compound describes how to evade the screen.
You will be writing prompts that sit exactly on that line, then judging whether the model held it.
- Examples of relevant backgrounds (ideally with red-teaming experience):
- Detection and identification of hazardous compounds — GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, IR, NMR
- Method development and validation for trace-level analysis
- Environmental, occupational or emergency-response sampling and analysis
- Reference standards, spectral libraries and unknown identification
- Laboratory accreditation, QA/QC and proficiency testing
- What this role demands beyond technical depth
This is writing-intensive work.
Every judgment you make needs a written rationale that a non-specialist can follow.
Prior technical writing, published research, or expert witness experience is a strong signal; please include a sample or link.
You will also be reading and writing about misuse scenarios in your field for sustained periods.
We brief experts on this in advance, and you can pause or step away at any point without penalty.
Before you apply
Your work here will not involve, and must not draw on, classified or export-controlled information, or anything covered by an NDA or prepublication review obligation.
If you hold such obligations you may still be a good fit; tell us in your application and we will scope the work accordingly.
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Analytical Chemist - Hazardous Compounds employer: Obsidian
Obsidian is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant Greater London area, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among experts in the field. Employees benefit from a fast-start program with opportunities for growth and extension, alongside a commitment to quality in AI model training that makes a meaningful impact in genomics. With a focus on professional development and a supportive environment, Obsidian is dedicated to empowering its team members to excel in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Analytical Chemist - Hazardous Compounds
✨Get Involved in the Chemistry Community
Engage with local chemistry societies and attend their events. Whether it's a conference or a seminar, these gatherings can be gold mines for networking and spotting job openings at companies like Obsidian. Plus, being face-to-face with industry professionals can leave a lasting impression!
✨Utilise Online Platforms for Chemistry Jobs
Don’t just rely on mainstream job boards. Sites like Chemistry World and Chemjobs are specifically geared for our field. Set up alerts for new openings at places like Obsidian to be the first to apply!
✨Showcase Your Research & Projects
Create a professional online portfolio that highlights your chemistry projects or research. This could be a blog or a simple website that showcases your skills and experience. When you apply to Obsidian, you want them to see what you can do beyond the CV.
✨Connect With Recruiters Specialised in Chemistry
Reach out to recruitment agencies that focus on the chemistry sector. They often have inside tracks on job openings at companies like Obsidian and can provide valuable advice tailored to full-time roles in our industry. Don't be shy to ask for insights!
We think you need these skills to ace Analytical Chemist - Hazardous Compounds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:When applying for a chemistry position, make sure to highlight any lab experience you've got. Mention specific techniques and instruments you've worked with, as they can set you apart from other candidates. For us, demonstrating your practical skills is as important as your theoretical knowledge!
Tailor Your CV to Chemistry:It's essential to structure your CV in a way that’s appealing for a chemistry role. Highlight relevant projects, research publications, and coursework that demonstrate your expertise. If you’ve completed specific certifications, make sure to list those as well—they can really boost your chances!
Craft a Chemistry-Focused Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your enthusiasm for the field of chemistry and why you want to work at Obsidian. Talk about any research or projects that inspire you, and express your willingness to contribute to the team. We love seeing genuine passion for chemistry in applications!
Include Relevant References:Since chemistry roles can be quite specific, having reference letters from professors or previous employers in the field can be a huge plus. Make sure to include contacts who can vouch for your skills and dedication, as it adds credibility to your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Obsidian
✨Know Your Experiments
Get ready to chat about your hands-on experience in the lab. We should be prepared to discuss specific experiments we've conducted, the results, and any challenges we faced. This shows them we don't just know the theory but can apply it in practice!
✨Master the Technical Speak
Brush up on the relevant terminology and concepts in chemistry. Make sure we can discuss different chemical processes, analytical techniques, and safety protocols fluently, as they might throw some technical questions our way. Being precise and confident can really set us apart!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make a portfolio showcasing our best lab work and any research projects we've been involved in. It's a great way to demonstrate our skills and passion for chemistry. We should tailor it to highlight the aspects most relevant to Obsidian and the Analytical Chemist - Hazardous Compounds role.
✨Be Ready for Problem Solving
Expect some scenario-based questions where we might need to solve chemical problems on the spot. They could ask about unexpected results or how to improve a process. Let's practice thinking on our feet and explaining our thought process clearly!
