[Hiring] PhD Genomics and Cell Biology Scientist, AI Expert @Weekday AI

Role Description

We are looking for highly skilled PhD-qualified scientists in genomics and cell biology to contribute to the development of advanced AI models for scientific research. This opportunity is suited to molecular biologists, cell biologists, geneticists, genomics researchers, and synthetic biologists with recent, hands-on experience in laboratory or computational biology.

As a subject-matter expert, you will work closely with research and engineering teams at a leading AI lab to improve how AI systems understand, reason through, and solve complex biological problems. Your scientific expertise will help shape high-quality training datasets, develop challenging benchmarks, and evaluate AI-generated solutions across molecular biology, genomics, and cellular research.

This is a part-time, fully remote opportunity for candidates based in the UK or on the US East Coast, with the flexibility to work remotely while contributing to high-impact AI research initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with AI research and engineering teams to identify scientific knowledge gaps and improve model performance across molecular cloning, primer and CRISPR design, functional genomics, sequence analysis, and cell-based assays.
• Create challenging, domain-specific biology tasks, benchmarks, and training datasets that test genuine scientific reasoning rather than simple information retrieval.
• Develop accurate, structured solutions for complex biological problems, including construct design, experimental protocol planning, and assay troubleshooting.
• Evaluate AI-generated outputs and step-by-step reasoning, assessing the biological feasibility and scientific accuracy of proposed experimental protocols and computational workflows.
• Provide detailed technical feedback to improve the reliability, accuracy, and scientific depth of AI model responses.
• Create task specifications, evaluation rubrics, and verification procedures for biology-related data produced by external technical teams.
• Serve as a scientific domain expert, ensuring the quality, consistency, and accuracy of biological training data.
• Work alongside other subject-matter experts to maintain high scientific standards across research and evaluation projects.

Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Synthetic Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline.
• Recent PhD graduates and postdoctoral researchers with relevant expertise are encouraged to apply.
• Recent hands-on laboratory or computational experience with techniques and workflows such as:
  • PCR and qPCR
  • Molecular cloning and construct design
  • CRISPR and genome editing
  • Cell-based assays
  • Sequence analysis
  • Functional genomics
• Broad familiarity with different organisms, biological model systems, and experimental methodologies, rather than expertise limited to a single technique.
• Comfortable working with scientific software and AI-powered tools; advanced programming skills are not required.
• Strong scientific writing, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.
• Ability to commit reliably to at least 20 hours per week during weekdays.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary research and engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1–3 years of professional or research experience after completing a PhD.
• Experience evaluating AI models or AI agents for scientific accuracy and reasoning.
• Familiarity with benchmark development, training data creation, grading rubrics, or structured evaluation frameworks.
• Experience translating complex biological workflows into clear technical instructions and assessment criteria.

Requirements

• Work Arrangement: Fully remote.
• Eligible Locations: United Kingdom or US East Coast.
• Engagement Type: Part-time, independent contractor.
• Time Commitment: Minimum 20 hours per week, primarily during weekdays.
• Schedule: Flexible, with the ability to manage work remotely.
• Project Duration: Engagements may be extended, shortened, or concluded early depending on project requirements and performance.
• Payment: Weekly payments through Stripe or Wise, based on services rendered.
• Confidentiality: The work will not require access to confidential or proprietary information belonging to any current or former employer, client, or institution.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, political views or activity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified applicants upon request.

Important Eligibility Information

• Applicants must be based in the United Kingdom or on the US East Coast.
• H-1B and STEM OPT candidates cannot be supported for this opportunity.
• Candidates should have the relevant PhD qualification and recent hands-on experience in genomics, molecular biology, or cell biology.