Genomics PhD - AI Model Specialist

• Guide research and engineering teams to close knowledge gaps and improve AI model performance in molecular cloning, primer and CRISPR design, functional genomics, sequence analysis, and cell-based assays.
• Design challenging, non-searchable biology tasks, benchmarks, and training data. Write accurate, well-structured solutions to problems such as construct design, protocol planning, and assay troubleshooting.
• Evaluate AI model outputs and step-by-step reasoning on biology tasks. Judge the biological feasibility of proposed protocols and computational workflows. Provide clear, written technical feedback.
• Develop specifications, grading rubrics, and verification processes for biology data produced by external technical teams. Act as the domain authority on data quality.
• Collaborate with other subject matter experts to ensure consistency and accuracy in training data., PS: Our team reviews applications daily. Please complete your AI interview and application steps to be considered for this opportunity.

Must-Have

• PhD in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, genomics, synthetic biology, biochemistry, or a closely related discipline.
• Recent, hands-on experience (bench or computational) with workflows such as PCR/qPCR, molecular cloning, CRISPR, cell-based assays, sequence analysis, or functional genomics.
• Broad experience across organisms, model systems, and methods.
• Comfortable using scientific software and AI tools (no coding required).
• Ability to engage reliably for at least 20 hours/week during weekdays.
• Strong written communication and collaboration skills. Ability to explain complex technical decisions clearly.

Preferred

• 1 to 3 years of post-PhD experience.
• Experience evaluating AI models or agents, designing benchmarks, or writing grading rubrics.

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.