01 · The role
What you would do
- Check AI answers that involve DFT calculations, molecular dynamics and predictions of materials properties
- Judge whether the computational methods, simulation settings, convergence checks and physical assumptions suit the problem
- Spot calculation errors, methodological limits and flawed scientific reasoning
- Write reference solutions, grading rubrics and careful scientific explanations
02 · Requirements
What they ask for
- A PhD in computational materials science, computational chemistry, condensed matter physics, chemical engineering or a close field; exceptional MSc holders with deep experience may be considered
- Hands-on work with DFT, ab initio or classical molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo methods or first-principles modeling
- Skill with simulation software such as VASP, Quantum ESPRESSO, CP2K, GPAW or LAMMPS
- Strong Python for scientific computing and data analysis
Helpful, not required
- Experience with ASE, pymatgen or similar workflow tools
- Expertise in surfaces and interfaces, catalysis, semiconductors or reaction energetics
- Familiarity with machine-learned interatomic potentials
- Peer-reviewed publications in computational materials research
- Materials science
- DFT
- Molecular dynamics
- Python
- Model evaluation
03 · Eligibility
Who can apply
Remote. The listing does not name eligible countries, so Mercor's own rules decide: it can only onboard people in countries its payments support, which in October 2026 included Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and Egypt but not Kenya.
Some African countries
Open in some African countries only: check the listing for which. Mercor in Africa
Apply from where you live, as yourself. Using a VPN or someone else's identity to get around a country rule breaks these platforms' terms, and it is the quickest way to lose an account and any unpaid earnings.
04 · Applying
How to get in
You apply through Mercor's own process. The steps from sign-up to first paid task are on its profile.
- How AI interviews work at micro1 and Mercor: what the AI interview checks, and how to prepare.
- Getting paid from Africa: PayPal, Payoneer, Airtm, Wise and more. It covers which of Mercor's payout routes work where you live, and what they cost.
05 · Source
About this listing
We last confirmed this opening on Nov 1, 2026, and it was posted on Oct 11, 2026. Rates and hours come from the listing unless the note beside the rate says otherwise. Where the listing names no countries, the Africa status is our reading of it and of what is known of Mercor's country rules, set out on its profile, and never marks a role more open than they show. The listing itself has the final word.
The listing on work.mercor.com(opens in a new tab)