Genomics & Cell Biology Specialist

About the role

Join a leading AI lab's cutting-edge research team and help build foundational AI models for science from the ground up. We're seeking talented Genomics and Cell Biology subject-matter experts (SMEs), including molecular biologists, cell biologists, geneticists and synthetic biologists working at the bench or computationally, to bring recent, hands-on laboratory expertise to the design and evaluation of advanced AI models for biology.

This is a part-time position through Cincinnatus LLC (or an appropriate international entity), with the opportunity to be placed at a leading AI Lab as part of their extended workforce.

Scope of Work

• 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, and 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, judging the biological feasibility of proposed protocols and computational workflows, and provide clear, written technical feedback.
• Develop specifications, grading rubrics and verification processes for biology data produced by external technical teams, and act as the domain authority on data quality.
• Collaborate with other subject matter experts to ensure consistency and accuracy in training data.

What you’ll bring

• PhD in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, genomics, synthetic biology, biochemistry or a closely related discipline. Strong recent PhD graduates and postdoctoral researchers are encouraged to apply.
• 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, rather than a single narrow technique.
• 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, and the ability to explain complex technical decisions clearly.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Benefits

Not provided in the source listing.

Contract & Payment Terms

• About Cincinnatus LLC: Cincinnatus LLC is an enterprise staffing company that partners with leading technology companies to source and employ highly skilled professionals for contingent and contract-based opportunities. Cincinnatus, or an appropriate international entity, serves as the employer of record for these engagements, providing employment, payroll, benefits, and compliance, while placing employees directly within client teams to work on high-impact initiatives.
• Equal Employment Opportunity: Cincinnatus is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or any other legally protected characteristic.
• We consider all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics and provide reasonable accommodations upon request.
• You will be engaged as an independent contractor.
• This is a fully remote role that can be completed on your own schedule.
• Projects can be extended, shortened, or concluded early depending on needs and performance.
• Your work at Mercor will not involve access to confidential or proprietary information from any employer, client, or institution.
• Payments are weekly on Stripe or Wise based on services rendered.
• Please note: We are unable to support H1-B or STEM OPT candidates at this time.

Where you can work

This role is open to people based in: United Kingdom, United States.

Remote does not always mean work from any country. Always check the employer’s location and working-hour requirements.