About the Company

The project is being conducted with a leading AI research lab. The organization behind the opportunity is seeking experienced machine learning professionals to contribute ideas for challenging AI research tasks.

About the Role

The Machine Learning Expert will contribute ideas for a long-horizon AI research project focused on testing the capabilities and limitations of frontier AI models. The work centers on designing challenging machine learning engineering problems, particularly in inference, evaluation, and systems engineering. This hourly contract is suited to experienced machine learning research engineers, research scientists, and applied scientists with hands-on model training or optimization experience. The focus is on developing and explaining task concepts rather than building or reviewing the tasks themselves.

Key Responsibilities

Develop ideas for challenging machine learning engineering tasks for an AI research project. Design problems that test the limits of frontier AI models and are difficult for these models to solve consistently. Develop task concepts focused on inference, evaluation, and systems engineering, including GPU and CPU workloads. Clearly explain why each proposed problem presents a challenge for advanced AI models. Contribute task ideas without being responsible for building or reviewing the tasks themselves.

Required Qualifications

Current or recent experience as a machine learning research engineer, research scientist, or applied scientist. Hands-on experience personally training, fine-tuning, or optimizing machine learning models using PyTorch or JAX. Deep knowledge of at least one of the following areas: Large language models (LLMs), including pretraining, alignment, and evaluation. GPU inference and performance, including tools and technologies such as vLLM, Triton, CUDA, or profiling. Reinforcement learning (RL). Scientific machine learning, including applications in weather, climate, physics, or biology. Ability to explain why specific machine learning problems are difficult for frontier AI models.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience developing benchmark or evaluation questions. PhD in machine learning, computer science, or physics, or an MSc degree with strong research output. Relevant research publications. Previous Mercor contract experience with strong performance. Compensation and Work Arrangement Compensation: $150–$200 per hour. Employment type: Hourly contract. Work arrangement: Remote. Application Process Application details were not provided in the original listing.