Machine Learning Researcher | $140/hr

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. This range is provided by HelixRecruit. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Base pay range$140.00/hr - $140.00/hrThis opportunity is shared as part of a referral programMercor is partnering with a leading AI research lab on Project Vesuvius, an initiative designed to evaluate and enhance the ability of large language models (LLMs) to generate structured, high-quality research plans for open-ended machine learning problems.We are seeking Machine Learning Researchers and PhDs to serve as annotators who will assess and provide structured feedback on AI-generated research plans. The goal is to improve how LLMs function as brainstorming partners for machine learning research. This is a remote, short-term engagement with flexible hours and opportunities to contribute to frontier AI evaluation and research. Key Responsibilities• Evaluate and compare AI-generated research plans for clarity, feasibility, and technical soundness.• Design and compile ML tasks based on real-world challenges and research competitions. • Draft detailed, executable natural language plans for machine learning workflows. • Implement and validate research plans in Python within a Docker environment. • Assess outputs against structured rubrics, provide usefulness scores, and deliver concise, objective feedback. Ideal Qualifications• 5+ years of experience in applied machine learning or a PhD in machine learning or related fields. • Strong understanding of ML research methodologies, experimental design, and evaluation practices.• Excellent analytical and technical writing skills. • Experience with reproducibility or benchmarking in ML research preferred. • Detail-oriented and able to deliver high-quality, structured feedback independently. • Mode: Fully remote and asynchronous — work from anywhere, on your own schedule. • Commitment: Maximum 80 hours per weekThis role is designed for researchers and engineers who value autonomy, precision, and meaningful contribution to frontier AI development. Compensation & Contract Terms• Hourly Pay Rate: Up to $140/hour• Structure: Remote, milestone-based evaluation with flexible scheduling• Application Process:• Submit your resume or CV highlighting relevant ML research or engineering experience.• Complete a short AI-based interview and a brief questionnaire about your experience with reproducibility and model benchmarking. • Selected candidates will receive detailed onboarding materials and access to the project environment. Seniority levelAssociateEmployment typeContractJob functionInformation TechnologyIndustriesIT System Data Services Apply tot his job