STEM Researchers - MSc/PhD (Must own MacBook)

$50–60/hr

rate as listed

Workload: ~10–20 hrs/week
Engagement: Project-based
Location: Worldwide
Field: Sciences

Complete and narrate research workflows that help an AI lab benchmark and improve its models. The role is for current or completed STEM MSc or PhD researchers who own a compatible Mac and can contribute approximately 10 to 20 hours per week.

The work

You will carry out real research tasks on your own Mac, including literature review, data analysis, modeling and technical writing. You will also narrate your process clearly so the resulting work can be used as training and evaluation data for AI models. Depending on the task, you may use Python and Jupyter, MATLAB, R, LaTeX, reference managers, or relevant laboratory and data analysis software.

What the screen assesses

The application begins with a resume review and a roughly three-minute AI interview focused on research experience and reasoning. Expect prompts that ask for specific examples from your MSc, PhD or other hands-on research, followed by checks on your methods, tools, assumptions and source evaluation. Candidates who advance complete a brief paid assessment.

Logistics

The expected commitment is approximately 10 to 20 hours per week, with an immediate start preferred. The listing does not explicitly confirm whether scheduling is fully asynchronous or whether the engagement is formally remote, although the work is completed on the candidate's own Mac. A MacBook or Mac with an Apple M-series chip or Intel processor running macOS 15 or higher is required.

Pay band: $50–60/hr

What they look for

Current or completed MSc or PhD in a STEM field
Ownership of a MacBook or Mac running macOS 15 or higher
Hands-on research experience using relevant computational, writing, citation, laboratory, or data analysis tools
Literature review, data analysis, modeling, or technical writing experience
Ability to explain research reasoning while completing a task
Clear written and verbal communication

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 verifies the degree status and tests whether you can describe a specific research area with enough technical detail to withstand follow-up questions.
A strong answer: State the institution, degree status, field, dates and a concise research question or thesis topic. Identify your own contribution rather than describing only the wider lab or research group.
Where people lose it: Candidates lose points by naming a broad discipline without explaining the actual problem, method or individual contribution.

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