A side hustle for researchers and PhDs: paid AI training work

You do not need to start a business or learn a new trade. AI labs need scientists to write expert-level problems and grade model answers in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and other research fields. 122 such roles are open today.

122
open jobs
$83/hr
median published rate
$250/hr
highest published rate
7
platforms hiring

Pay figures cover the 117 open jobs that publish an hourly rate in USD. They are published rates, not a guarantee of income. Last checked on October 8, 2026.

What the work looks like

Real roles open today, one per platform, with the pay each platform publishes.

  • Science & Research
  • Platform: Mercor
  • Location: United States
  • Level: Intermediate

Economics research job for a leading AI laboratory. You will bring your expertise in economics to a research project requiring deep knowledge of economic models and research methodology. This position is for seasoned economists with solid institutional experience.

Posted September 28, 2026

OpenRecently verified$150-250/hr

Referral link: we may earn a fee. Apply without it

  • Science & Research
  • Platform: Alignerr

This role involves translating mathematical proofs into machine-verifiable Lean 4 formalizations for an AI research organization. Mathematicians with formal proof system experience will work on bridging informal mathematical arguments and automated reasoning, identifying gaps in current verification tools and helping advance mechanized mathematics at the intersection of AI and rigorous proof.

OpenRecently verified$170-200/hr
  • Science & Research
  • Platform: micro1
  • Location: 58 countries

This role offers the opportunity to contribute your expertise in atomic, molecular, and optical physics to train next-generation artificial intelligence systems. You will analyze optical properties of materials, review atomic structure calculations, and participate in adaptive oral interviews, with no prior AI experience required.

Posted September 7, 2026

OpenRecently verified$100-200/hr

Referral link to micro1's job list: search for this role there. Open this exact job

All 122 Science & Research jobs

What it pays

Among the 117 open roles that publish an hourly rate in USD, the median published rate is $83 per hour, and half of them fall between $70 and $95. Published rates run from $19 to $250 per hour. These are the rates platforms publish, not a guarantee of income or hours.

Science & Research pay rates by platform and by expertise

What the listings ask for

  • 14 of the 122 listings state a minimum experience. Among them, the median requirement is 3 years.
  • 86 state a degree, licence or certification. The most frequent: Master's degree or PhD in Mathematics or a closely related field (9); Master's degree or higher in Mathematics, Logic, Theoretical Computer Science, or a closely related field (4); Master's degree in Biology or related field (3); Master's or PhD in Mathematics or a closely related field (3); PhD in Biology or related field (3).
  • The others publish no such requirement. Each listing states its own, and the platform decides who it takes.

How to start

  1. Browse the open Science & Research jobs and read what each one asks for.
  2. Add your resume to see every open job scored against your background, best match first.
  3. Apply on the platform through the official posting. The platform handles screening, contracts and payment.

See which open jobs fit the career you already have

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FAQ

Questions from researchers and PhDs

How many Science & Research AI training jobs are open right now?

122 Science & Research AI training jobs are open on SideHustler today. Listings are rechecked against the official postings: the latest check on this list was on October 8, 2026.

How much do Science & Research AI training jobs pay?

Among the 117 open roles that publish an hourly rate in USD, pay runs from $19 to $250 per hour, with a median of $83. These are the rates the platforms publish, not a guarantee of income or hours.

Which platforms offer Science & Research AI training jobs?

Alignerr (59), Mercor (48), DataAnnotation (6), micro1 (5), Handshake AI (2), Terac (1) and xAI (1). You apply on the platform itself, which handles screening, contracts and payment.

What skills do Science & Research AI training jobs ask for most?

The most requested areas of expertise on these listings are AI Evaluation, Scientific Writing, Experimental Design, Mathematics, Physics. Each listing states its own requirements.

Can researchers and PhDs do this alongside a full-time job?

It depends on your employer and on the project. Check your employment contract first, in particular any confidentiality, exclusivity or outside-activity clause, and the rules of your profession if it is regulated. Hours are set by each project and are not guaranteed.

How do I apply?

Apply now opens the official posting on the platform, where you complete the application. You need no account on SideHustler. To see which roles fit your background first, add your resume and every open job is scored against your profile.