Research Scientist – Biology (Remote | $60–$100/hr)

<p><strong>Biology Research Scientist</strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Position:</strong> <strong>Biology Research Scientist</strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Type:</strong> <strong>Hourly Contract</strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Compensation:</strong> <strong>$60–$100/hour</strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Location:</strong> <strong>Remote </strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>About the Opportunity</strong></p><p>Mercor is partnering with a leading AI research organization to engage experienced <strong>Biology Research Scientists</strong> in verifying protein target assignments within large-scale bioactivity databases, including <strong>ChEMBL and BindingDB</strong>.</p><p>In this role, you will review primary scientific literature and patents, apply expert scientific judgment, and determine whether <strong>UniProt protein identifiers</strong> accurately correspond to the proteins studied in experimental research. Your work will contribute directly to the development of reliable datasets supporting <strong>AI-driven drug discovery and biomedical research</strong>.</p><p><strong>Responsibilities</strong></p><ul><li>Review primary research papers and patents to verify protein target assignments.</li><li>Compare experimental evidence against corresponding <strong>UniProt</strong> records.</li><li>Determine whether assigned protein targets accurately represent the biological targets studied.</li><li>Identify, flag, and classify incorrect or questionable target assignments using a structured taxonomy.</li><li>Research relevant scientific evidence to resolve ambiguous target assignments.</li><li>Propose accurate <strong>UniProt accession numbers</strong> when existing assignments are incorrect.</li><li>Evaluate binding and functional assay data to support target identification.</li><li>Apply scientific judgment when interpreting experimental methods, target nomenclature, and biological context.</li><li>Write concise, evidence-based notes explaining the reasoning behind each determination.</li><li>Contribute to high-quality datasets used in AI-enabled drug discovery workflows.</li></ul><p><strong>Required Qualifications</strong></p><ul><li>Bachelor's degree with <strong>5+ years of relevant experience</strong>, Master's degree with <strong>2+ years of relevant experience</strong>, or PhD with relevant industry or drug-discovery research experience.</li><li>Academic or professional background in:</li><li>Pharmacology</li><li>Biochemistry</li><li>Molecular Biology</li><li>Chemical Biology</li><li>A related biological science</li><li>Professional experience within <strong>biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or CRO environments</strong>.</li><li>Hands-on experience with binding or functional assays, such as:</li><li>Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR)</li><li>TR-FRET</li><li>Radioligand binding</li><li>Kinase assays</li><li>GPCR functional assays</li><li>IC50, Ki, or Kd determination</li><li>Currently <strong>bench-active</strong> in a research scientist, scientist, or associate scientist position.</li><li>Working knowledge of <strong>UniProt</strong> or related biological target-identification workflows.</li><li>Experience with one or more of the following:</li><li>Structure–Activity Relationship (SAR) support</li><li>High-Throughput Screening (HTS)</li><li>Target validation</li><li>Biochemical profiling</li><li>IND-enabling research</li><li>Strong scientific reasoning and ability to evaluate primary research literature.</li><li>Excellent written communication and attention to scientific detail.</li></ul><p><strong>Preferred Qualifications</strong></p><ul><li>Direct experience working with <strong>ChEMBL, BindingDB, or PubChem</strong>.</li><li>Experience in <strong>selectivity profiling or counterscreening</strong>.</li><li>Familiarity with pharmacological distinctions between:</li><li>Agonists and antagonists</li><li>Activators and inhibitors</li><li>Experience interpreting complex bioactivity and target-assignment data.</li><li>Familiarity with protein target nomenclature and biological database workflows.</li><li>Experience supporting AI, computational biology, drug-discovery, or data-curation initiatives.</li></ul><p><strong>Key Areas of Expertise</strong></p><ul><li>Protein target identification and validation</li><li>Bioactivity data interpretation</li><li>Binding and functional assays</li><li>Pharmacology</li><li>Molecular and chemical biology</li><li>Biochemical profiling</li><li>Target validation</li><li>SAR and HTS workflows</li><li>UniProt annotation and accession mapping</li><li>Drug discovery research</li></ul><p><strong>Compensation</strong></p><ul><li><strong>$60–$100 per hour</strong></li><li>Remote hourly contract.</li><li><strong>10–20 hours per week</strong>.</li><li>Immediate start.</li><li>Minimum engagement of <strong>1–2 months</strong>, with extension likely.</li></ul><p><strong>Eligibility</strong></p><ul><li>Applicants must be based in the <strong>United States</strong>.</li><li>Must meet the applicable education and professional experience requirements.</li><li>Must have relevant industry or drug-discovery research experience.</li><li>Candidates should currently be active in a <strong>bench-based research/scientist role</strong>.</li><li>Must have hands-on experience with relevant binding or functional assays.</li></ul><p><strong>Application Process</strong></p><ol><li>Submit your resume highlighting relevant biology, pharmacology, or drug-discovery experience.</li><li>Demonstrate applicable hands-on binding or functional assay experience.</li><li>Highlight experience with UniProt or related target-validation workflows.</li><li>Include relevant experience with ChEMBL, BindingDB, PubChem, SAR, HTS, or biochemical profiling where applicable.</li><li>Selected candidates may proceed through Mercor's evaluation and onboarding process.</li></ol><p><br></p>