Materials Scientist - Fully Remote | Up to $84/hr

About the job

Mercor connects elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs. Headquartered in San Francisco, our investors include Benchmark , General Catalyst , Peter Thiel , Adam D'Angelo , Larry Summers , and Jack Dorsey .

Position: Inorganic Chemistry & Synthesis Expert

Type: Contract

Compensation: $84/hour

Location: Remote

Commitment: 10–40 hours/week

Role Responsibilities

• Evaluate technically complex problems involving inorganic chemistry , solid-state chemistry , and materials synthesis .
• Review and validate AI-generated scientific explanations , synthesis pathways, and experimental methodologies.
• Assess reaction mechanisms, precursor selection, reaction conditions, phase formation, and materials stability.
• Develop scientifically rigorous reference answers, technical evaluations, and reasoning frameworks.
• Identify inaccuracies in chemical reasoning, proposed synthetic routes, and interpretations of experimental results.
• Apply knowledge of analytical and characterisation techniques such as XRD , XPS , SEM , TEM , FTIR , Raman spectroscopy , and thermal analysis.
• Collaborate with research teams to improve the scientific accuracy and reliability of advanced AI models .

Qualifications

Must-Have

• PhD in Inorganic Chemistry , Materials Chemistry , Solid-State Chemistry , Materials Science , or a closely related discipline. Exceptional MSc candidates with extensive research experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated experience in inorganic synthesis, solid-state reactions, solution-phase synthesis, hydrothermal/solvothermal methods, or related techniques.
• Strong understanding of crystallography, phase diagrams, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, and reaction kinetics.
• Experience interpreting experimental characterisation data and assessing scientific literature.
• Strong scientific writing, analytical reasoning, and communication skills.
• Ability to independently evaluate complex scientific problems.

Preferred

• Research experience involving catalysts, metal oxides, ceramics, semiconductors, coordination compounds, or functional inorganic materials.
• Peer-reviewed publications or patents in inorganic chemistry or materials synthesis.
• Experience bridging experimental chemistry with computational materials science.
• Prior experience evaluating scientific datasets, technical benchmarks, or AI-generated research outputs .

Application Process (Takes 20–30 mins to complete)

• Upload resume
• AI interview based on your resume
• Submit form

Resources & Support

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• For any help or support, reach out to: [email protected]

PS: Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity.