Posted 30+ days ago

Job summary

• Job post source

  This job is directly from Mercor.

• Job overview

  The Social Scientist role at Mercor involves creating and validating AI training prompts based on social science expertise to ensure data-driven and conceptually clear content.

• Responsibilities and impact

  The candidate will write, review, and validate prompt-based questions for AI training, leveraging research methodology and social systems analysis to align prompts with real-world social science practices.

• Compensation and benefits

  The position is hourly contractor-based with weekly payments via Stripe Connect; it offers flexible hours (10-20 hours per week, potentially up to 40), fully remote and asynchronous work, and a minimum duration of 1-2 months with possible extension.

• Experience and skills

  Applicants should have over 3 years of experience in social sciences research or related fields, a master's degree in sociology, anthropology, political science, or public policy, strong qualitative and quantitative research skills, excellent communication, and attention to detail.

• Work environment and culture

  The role offers a fully remote, asynchronous work environment with flexible scheduling, emphasizing independence and self-management.

• Company information

  Mercor is a San Francisco-based company connecting elite creative and technical talent with leading AI research labs, backed by prominent investors like Benchmark and General Catalyst.

• Job location and travel

  The position is fully remote, open to candidates based in the US, UK, or Canada.

• Application process

  Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis starting mid to late July; the interview includes an AI-based test involving prompt writing, response evaluation, and performance-based selection.

• Unique job features

  The job involves working directly with cutting-edge AI technologies and requires evaluating large language model outputs, distinguishing it from typical social science roles.

Company overview

Mercor is a company that specializes in the development and implementation of advanced fire protection systems and solutions. They generate revenue by designing, manufacturing, and distributing a wide range of fire safety products, including fire doors, smoke vents, and fire-resistant partitions, serving both commercial and residential sectors. Founded with a commitment to safety and innovation, Mercor has established itself as a leader in the fire protection industry, continuously expanding its product offerings and market reach. The company's history is marked by a dedication to quality and compliance with international safety standards, making it a trusted partner in safeguarding lives and property. Understanding Mercor's focus on cutting-edge technology and stringent safety protocols can be crucial for candidates looking to join their team.

How to land this job

• Position your resume to highlight your 3+ years of experience in social sciences research, policy analysis, or human systems evaluation, emphasizing your expertise in research methodology, social systems analysis, and policy evaluation as outlined in the job description at Mercor.

• Emphasize your skills in designing qualitative and quantitative studies, analyzing social survey or ethnographic data, and producing research reports or white papers, as well as your ability to communicate human-centered insights clearly and effectively.

• Apply to this Social Scientist role through multiple venues including Mercor’s corporate website and LinkedIn to maximize your chances of being noticed by recruiters.

• Connect with current employees in Mercor’s AI research or social science divisions on LinkedIn; when reaching out, use ice breakers such as referencing Mercor’s innovative AI training work, asking about their experience with the AI interview process, or expressing enthusiasm for contributing to AI that reflects real-world social science practices.

• Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'social science research,' 'policy evaluation,' 'human systems analysis,' 'qualitative and quantitative studies,' and 'AI training materials' to ensure your resume passes automated screenings.

• Leverage Jennie Johnson’s Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications across multiple platforms, identify relevant LinkedIn contacts for networking, and optimize your resume for ATS, freeing you to focus on preparing for the AI interview and refining your prompt-writing skills.