Chemistry Specialist, Synthetic & Analytical Chemistry

$70–100/hr

rate as listed

Workload: 20+ hrs/week
Engagement: Project-based
Location: UK, US
Field: Sciences

Evaluate and develop chemistry tasks used to train foundational AI models, with emphasis on small-molecule synthesis, reaction reasoning and analytical characterization. The work combines benchmark design, model-output review, rubric writing and technical feedback grounded in hands-on laboratory experience.

What the work involves

You will create difficult, non-searchable chemistry problems and worked solutions covering multi-step synthesis, reaction optimization, mechanisms, structure elucidation and physical-chemical properties. You will also review model reasoning for errors in chemical logic, factual accuracy, tool use and molecular representations such as SMILES.

Evaluation and data quality

Day-to-day work may include writing grading rubrics, checking chemistry data produced by external teams, diagnosing why a proposed route or spectral assignment fails, and advising research and engineering teams on experimental design and common laboratory failure modes. Collaboration with other chemistry specialists is part of maintaining consistent standards across training and evaluation data.

What the platform screens for

Expect the screen to test verifiable laboratory experience, including a specific multi-step synthesis, a reaction optimization decision and interpretation of NMR, mass spectrometry, IR and HPLC / LC-MS data. Strong candidates can distinguish a merely plausible answer from a chemically defensible one, explain how they would verify uncertain claims and translate expert judgment into reproducible scoring criteria.

Practical details

This is a part-time engagement through Cincinnatus LLC or an appropriate international entity, with placement in a leading AI lab's extended workforce. The role requires at least 20 hours per week during weekdays; the listing does not specify whether the work is fully remote or how much of it is asynchronous.

Pay band: $70–100/hr

What they look for

Small-molecule synthesis, including multi-step route design and reaction optimization
Interpretation of NMR, mass spectrometry, IR and HPLC / LC-MS data
Chemistry research experience in academia, pharmaceuticals, biotech, chemicals, materials or a contract research organization
Evaluation of chemical reasoning, factual accuracy and experimental validity
Cheminformatics and scientific AI tool use, including familiarity with molecular representations
Technical writing for solutions, grading rubrics and model feedback

Included with this listing

Interview prep — 10 questions

Matched to what this platform's screening actually measures. Answer each out loud in 60–90 seconds: claim → concrete example → implication.

What it tests: This establishes whether the candidate's claimed synthetic or analytical depth comes from sustained laboratory work at the kinds of research organizations named in the listing.
A strong answer: Give a concise chronology with degree or equivalent research training, organization names, dates, project types and personal laboratory responsibilities. Separate work you performed directly from work supervised or conducted by collaborators.
Where people lose it: Candidates lose points by naming broad research areas without dates, specific laboratory methods or a clear account of what they personally did.

Summary, eligibility guidance and screening preparation are prepared by Sidequest from the platform's posting. Check the source listing before applying.