Materials Scientist - Inorganic Expert

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.

About the role

Contribute domain expertise across synthesis, characterization, fabrication, and device physics to build high-quality training and evaluation data.

• Review and evaluate AI-generated scientific reasoning, catching errors and improving technical accuracy.
• Design and solve challenging, expert-level problems in your area of specialization.
• Rate and rank model outputs against defined scientific criteria, with clear written reasoning.
• Structure technical knowledge — experimental procedures, characterization results, process data — into well-organized, model-ready data.
• Deliver reliable, high-quality work within defined timelines.

Requirements

Must-Have

• Hands-on experimental experience in one or more of: inorganic synthesis (solid-state, solution, solvothermal, sol-gel), superconducting materials, or semiconductors and advanced packaging.
• Strong materials or device characterization skills (XRD, SEM, TEM, spectroscopy, electrical/transport measurements).
• An advanced degree (PhD/MS) or equivalent hands-on experience in materials science, chemistry, physics, or a related engineering field.
• Clear written English and the ability to explain technical reasoning concisely.

Preferred

• Experience with thin-film growth or device fabrication (MBE/epitaxy, MOCVD, CVD, sputtering, IBAD, etch, clean-room microfabrication).

Pay

$84/hour

Schedule

10–40 hours/week (contract, remote)