Role Overview Mercor is partnering with a leading AI research organization to understand how elite developers build software with advanced AI coding assistants. In this unique remote research chance, you will work on your own real-world software projects using OpenCode (a terminal-based coding assistant) while your coding sessions are recorded to help shape the future of AI development tools.
Core Responsibilities
• Build out actual features on your own verifiable software project (side project, startup MVP, or LLM-powered feature) using the provided open-weight and Gemini AI models.
• Dynamically evaluate and choose which AI model to use for each specific programming task, switching between them naturally as you work.
• Maintain structured workflows by utilizing one dedicated chat per development task.
• Allow your terminal-based coding sessions to be recorded for AI behavioral research and model evaluation.
Candidate Profile
• Active Builder: Currently and actively building a verifiable software project.
• AI Tool Proficiency:
Regular, hands-on user of modern AI coding tools such as Cursor, Claude Code, Codex, or Cline.
• Technical Environment: Highly comfortable navigating the terminal and using Git on a Mac or Linux operating system.
• Preferred: Prior experience building agentic workflows or LLM-integrated software features is a strong plus.
• Language: Fluent in written and spoken English.
Engagement Details & Compensation
• Work Structure: 100% remote, independent contractor status. Highly flexible schedule.
• Time Commitment: Approximately 10 hours per week (Immediate start).
• Compensation: Highly competitive rate ranging from $100.00 to $250.00 per hour, depending on your technical experience and project complexity.
• Payments: Processed securely and weekly via Stripe or Wise based on services rendered.
• (We consider all qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics and pr