Computational Chemistry, Structural Biology & Drug Discovery Scientist (PhD)
$45–90/hr
Remote science contract with micro1, $45–90/hr, open worldwide. Posted Oct 15.
$45–90/hr
Apply on micro1Is this job worth applying to?
- Pay
- About typicalTops out at $90/hr. The typical top rate across 106 priced science listings is $90/hr.
- Getting in
- Some screening~30–45 min: profile + AI interview. Computer with webcam and mic for the AI interview.
- Steady work
- Work is patchyLong waits between tasks are common.
- Payout record
- Some delaysSchedule: twice a month. Paid via micro1 platform wallet (contractor payments).
- Freshness
- RecentPosted 3w ago. Still listed on micro1 on Nov 6, 2026.
- Where you live
- Open worldwideOpen worldwide.
The job description
Job Summary: In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI systems. Your work will shape how models learn, reason, and perform through high-quality, real-world input.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and write challenging, expert-level scientific problems in computational chemistry, structural biology, and drug discovery, with clear, verifiable solutions.
- Review and evaluate AI model outputs for scientific accuracy, rigor, and depth of reasoning, identifying subtle errors that non-specialists would miss.
- Develop detailed rubrics and reference answers grounded in the primary literature and established methodology.
- Apply domain expertise across areas such as molecular modeling and simulation, protein structure prediction and design, virtual screening and docking, QSAR/ADMET modeling, and proteomics/metabolomics data analysis.
- Provide clear written explanations of your reasoning, so that other experts can follow and validate it.
- Meet quality standards through iterative feedback and peer review cycles.
Required Qualifications (MUST)
- PhD in Computational Chemistry, Structural Biology, Biophysics, Bioinformatics, Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.
- Hands-on research experience in an academic or industry lab (wetlab experience is a plus).
- Professional written and spoken English (C1 or higher).
Preferred Skills
- Postdoctoral or industry research experience (pharma/biotech) in drug discovery or structural biology.
- Strong publication record, particularly first-author papers in relevant journals.
- Molecular modeling and simulation: GROMACS, AMBER, NAMD, OpenMM, free energy methods (FEP/TI).
- Structure prediction and design: AlphaFold, Rosetta, homology modeling, cryo-EM / X-ray crystallography data interpretation.
- Docking and virtual screening: AutoDock, Glide, Schrödinger Suite, MOE.
- Cheminformatics: RDKit, QSAR/QSPR, ADMET prediction, fingerprinting, library design.
- Proteomics and metabolomics: LC-MS/MS, MaxQuant, DIA/DDA workflows, PTM analysis, untargeted metabolomics.
- Programming: Python (required in practice), plus R, Bash, or similar; experience with ML for molecular property prediction (GNNs, generative models) is a plus.
- Experience with benchmarking, model evaluation, or scientific writing/reviewing.
- Ability to explain complex scientific concepts clearly and precisely in writing.
How do you apply to micro1?
Apply on micro1
The Apply button opens this post on micro1's own site. You apply with them, not with Rubric. Budget about 30–45 min: profile + AI interview.
Get through screening
What micro1 asks for after you apply:
- Do the AI interview with Zara on a computer (not a phone)
- Take any skill assessment and verify your identity
- Wait to be matched to a project and sign the contract
Start work and get paid
Pay schedule: twice a month. Paid via micro1 platform wallet (contractor payments). You're paid for the work they hand out, not a fixed salary.
micro1 also needs
- Computer with webcam and mic for the AI interview
- Relevant degree or work history for expert roles
Red flags
- Red flagWeeks of silence after the AI interview
- Red flagContracts signed but no onboarding or tasks
- Red flagProjects ending or changing scope without notice
What is micro1 like to work for?
Recruiting company that vets experts with an AI interviewer (Zara) and staffs them on contract AI-training and evaluation projects for AI labs.
| Advertised pay | $15–135/hr |
|---|---|
| Getting in | Some screening |
| Application takes | ~30–45 min: profile + AI interview |
| How you get paid | Twice a month, via micro1 platform wallet (contractor payments) |
| Payout record | Some delays |
| Countries | Recruits globally with heavy hiring in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe; India-based applicants are eligible for many roles. |
Generalist and annotation roles start around $15–30/hr; coding, STEM and law/medicine roles commonly list $40–90/hr and occasionally more.
