# AI Training Jobs for PhDs and Postdocs: Pay by Field

> Remote part-time work for PhD students, postdocs and PhD scientists: AI training roles in physics, maths, chemistry and bioinformatics, pay and visa rules.

Canonical: https://origindatapartners.com/guides/ai-training-jobs-for-phds
By: Origin Data Partners
Status: Published
Published: 2026-11-14
Updated: 2026-11-14
Sources checked: 2026-11-14

## Quick answer

The best-paid remote part-time option for most PhD students, postdocs and PhD scientists right now is AI training: writing hard problems in your field, solving them and grading AI answers. On 14 November 2026 micro1 listed physics PhDs and postdocs at $100 to $170 an hour, Alignerr formal mathematicians (Lean 4) at $170 to $200, Handshake AI chemistry PhDs at up to $150, DataAnnotation mathematicians, physicists and chemists at up to $125+, and Mercor physics, chemistry and biology experts at $65 to $105. Most listings ask 5 to 20 hours a week. Students on visas must check their work authorisation first.

## Key points

- AI training is the main remote part-time route for PhDs: your research-level judgment is what programs pay for.
- Published rates run from $35 an hour (subject-matter roles) to $200 (formal proof in Lean); "up to" figures are ceilings.
- Many listings accept current PhD students; some want a completed PhD or postdoc.
- F-1 students need CPT or OPT for off-campus work, and your university and funder may have outside-work rules.

## Remote part-time options for PhDs: where AI training fits

The traditional side incomes for doctoral researchers are teaching, tutoring, freelance editing and consulting. They still exist, but they mostly pay for teaching or writing skill. AI training pays for research-level judgment: labs need people who can write a problem a strong model gets wrong, prove the right answer and explain where the model's reasoning breaks.

The work is described plainly on the listings. micro1's physics role asks contributors to "Produce and validate high-quality solutions to advanced theoretical and mathematical physics problems", and may assign you as a solver, auditor or adjudicator ([micro1 listing](https://jobs.micro1.ai/post/94cc73a6-b8fe-496a-a8ad-4a3466db76f4)). Outlier says it has onboarded "700K+ PhD, MS students" ([Outlier](https://outlier.ai/)).


## AI training jobs for PhDs by field

Every program listed had a live listing for the field on 14 November 2026. Rates are per hour as published; "up to" figures are ceilings.

| Field | Programs listing it now (alphabetical) | Published pay | Who they ask for |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Physics | Alignerr; DataAnnotation; Handshake AI; Mercor; micro1; xAI | $35-55; up to $125+; up to $75; $70-100; $100-170; $45-75 (US candidates) | Advanced degree; micro1 asks for a PhD or postdoc; Handshake AI PhDs and postdocs |
| Mathematics and statistics | DataAnnotation; Handshake AI (math and statistician roles); Invisible (India); Mercor; micro1; xAI | Up to $125+; up to $75; $8-65; $40-75 and $90-140 (US, PhD); $60-120; $45-75 | Master's or PhD on most; Mercor's domain role requires a PhD |
| Formal mathematics (Lean, Coq, Isabelle) | Alignerr; Mercor | $170-200; $80-130 (US) | Master's or PhD with proof-assistant experience |
| Chemistry | Alignerr; DataAnnotation; Handshake AI; Mercor; micro1 | $35-55; up to $125+; up to $150; $65-105; $45-90 | Handshake AI PhDs and postdocs; micro1 PhD |
| Computational biology and bioinformatics | DataAnnotation; Handshake AI; Mercor (genomics); micro1 | Up to $125+; up to $75; $70-100; $45-90 | DataAnnotation accepts current PhD candidates; Mercor encourages recent PhDs and postdocs |
| Biology | Handshake AI; Mercor | Up to $125; $70-105 | Handshake AI master's, PhDs and postdocs |
| Any STEM field | Alignerr (Masters or PhD Researcher); Handshake AI (STEM PhD, EU and UK) | $75-90; up to $48 | Master's or PhD; EU or UK residence for the Handshake role |

Sources, read 14 November 2026: Alignerr [physics](https://www.alignerr.com/jobs/d0b53751-8cc9-43bf-842f-1956a0478833), [chemistry](https://www.alignerr.com/jobs/a4e41700-6f27-4394-88df-270bb38a978a), [mathematician](https://www.alignerr.com/jobs/a2520be7-908b-4ae5-9c46-5d0c2686fc12), [Lean 4](https://www.alignerr.com/jobs/1f74394c-d1e4-4c2e-aa02-a4044d4c4062) and [PhD researcher](https://www.alignerr.com/jobs/615a6093-e743-4acd-bb09-02177d658b92) listings; DataAnnotation [mathematician](https://www.dataannotation.tech/job-board/mathematician), [physicist](https://www.dataannotation.tech/job-board/physicist), [chemist](https://www.dataannotation.tech/job-board/chemist) and [computational biologist](https://www.dataannotation.tech/job-board/computational-biologist) roles; Handshake AI [physics](https://joinhandshake.com/ai/opportunities/physics-expert/), [math](https://joinhandshake.com/ai/opportunities/math-ai-trainer/), [statistician](https://joinhandshake.com/ai/opportunities/statistician/), [chemistry](https://joinhandshake.com/ai/opportunities/chemistry-expert/), [biology](https://joinhandshake.com/ai/opportunities/biology-expert-phd/), [bioinformatics](https://joinhandshake.com/ai/opportunities/bioinformatics-computational-biology-expert/) and [STEM PhD (EU)](https://joinhandshake.com/ai/opportunities/stem-phd-eu/) listings; [Invisible mathematics listing](https://job-boards.eu.greenhouse.io/agency/jobs/4606925101); Mercor [physics](https://work.mercor.com/jobs/list_AAABoKMjqUMNbxdYam1EnL82/physics-expert), [mathematics](https://work.mercor.com/jobs/list_AAABoKMjug1fFXpwuDdIZ6TO/mathematics-expert), [mathematics domain](https://work.mercor.com/jobs/list_AAABoYr34sDSXamCPtFMIrdv/mathematics-domain-expert), [formal mathematics](https://work.mercor.com/jobs/list_AAABocIgqB7Hmstj7KhMXJn5/formal-mathematics-specialist-lean-coq-isabelle), [chemistry](https://work.mercor.com/jobs/list_AAABoKMjbmWSx1ImOhtE4p1n/chemistry-expert), [biology](https://work.mercor.com/jobs/list_AAABoKMjUBDgN45J6XxLf7pG/biology-expert) and [genomics](https://work.mercor.com/jobs/list_AAABoWVP6g3Jos-M1D1GS6Dh/genomics-cell-biology-specialist) listings; micro1 [physics](https://jobs.micro1.ai/post/94cc73a6-b8fe-496a-a8ad-4a3466db76f4), [mathematics](https://jobs.micro1.ai/post/9701abf9-febd-4f13-9183-80257478f22a), [maths and statistics](https://jobs.micro1.ai/post/36e76ca9-8c78-4508-ad3a-817e9a12dfea), [chemistry](https://jobs.micro1.ai/post/6d450cdb-b9d0-4063-95c5-201a384fa906) and [computational biology](https://jobs.micro1.ai/post/b908ffa3-a064-49f9-8d7b-77ce2670824b) listings; xAI [math](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/xai/jobs/4925859007) and [physics](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/xai/jobs/4925832007) listings.

Snorkel's math community also looks for "Master's or PhD-level expertise" and is open only to eligible US-based contractors outside California ([Snorkel](https://snorkel.ai/expert-community/math/)).


## Math AI trainer and physics AI tutor roles

Math AI trainer and physics AI tutor roles usually mean the same work: teaching a model, not students. xAI's AI Tutor roles in math and physics pay US-based candidates $45 to $75 an hour, are open remotely in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and India, and prefer full-time availability ([xAI math listing](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/xai/jobs/4925859007)).

The top of the range is formal proof. Alignerr's mathematician roles pay $170-200 an hour to "Formalize advanced mathematical arguments and theorems within Lean 4" and ask for a master's or PhD in mathematics ([Alignerr](https://www.alignerr.com/jobs/a2520be7-908b-4ae5-9c46-5d0c2686fc12)); Mercor's formal mathematics role pays $80-130 an hour in the US for Lean, Coq or Isabelle work ([Mercor](https://work.mercor.com/jobs/list_AAABocIgqB7Hmstj7KhMXJn5/formal-mathematics-specialist-lean-coq-isabelle)). If you want tutoring of real students instead, see [AI tutor jobs](https://origindatapartners.com/guides/ai-tutor-jobs).


## How many hours, and does it fit a PhD?

Most listings are built around a research schedule. Handshake AI's physics, math, chemistry and biology listings say most contributors work approximately 5-20 hours per week on an active project, with no minimum ([Handshake AI](https://joinhandshake.com/ai/opportunities/physics-expert/)); its EU and UK STEM PhD role mentions about 10 to 20 hours ([Handshake AI](https://joinhandshake.com/ai/opportunities/stem-phd-eu/)). Alignerr lists 10-40 hours/week ([Alignerr](https://www.alignerr.com/jobs/615a6093-e743-4acd-bb09-02177d658b92)). Mercor's genomics and formal mathematics roles ask for at least 20 hours a week on weekdays ([Mercor](https://work.mercor.com/jobs/list_AAABoWVP6g3Jos-M1D1GS6Dh/genomics-cell-biology-specialist)), which is a lot next to a thesis.

Work comes in projects, so expect busy weeks and empty ones. Do not plan rent around it.


## Visas, university rules and funding: check before you sign

International students in the US: USCIS says "F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year", and that after it they may work off-campus through Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training, authorised in advance ([USCIS](https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/students-and-employment)). Handshake AI says F-1 students "who are eligible for CPT or OPT may be eligible for projects", and that "STEM OPT is not supported" ([Handshake AI](https://joinhandshake.com/ai/opportunities/software-engineer/)). Alignerr says visa holders can take part only if their visa permits contract work, and it does not sponsor visas ([Alignerr FAQs](https://www.alignerr.com/faqs)). Your designated school official, not a program, decides what you may do.

Outside the US, student and researcher visas set their own limits on hours and self-employment. Check yours with your university's international office.

Universities and funders often have outside-work and conflict-of-interest policies for doctoral students and postdocs, and some fellowships limit paid work. Ask your supervisor or graduate school before you commit hours, and keep unpublished results, lab data and anything under your group's agreements out of every task.


## Next step

For field pages, see [AI training jobs for software engineers](https://origindatapartners.com/guides/ai-training-jobs-for-software-engineers) if you are in CS or ML, and [AI evaluation jobs](https://origindatapartners.com/guides/ai-evaluation-jobs) for what grading work looks like. Pay is contractor income: see [AI training jobs and taxes](https://origindatapartners.com/guides/ai-training-jobs-taxes).

[Tell us what you do](https://origindatapartners.com/experts#inquiry). We'll send you the paid AI work that fits your field, wherever you live. It's free.

Origin Data Partners is independent of the programs on this page. A program may pay Origin when Origin introduces someone who joins it, which never changes what you are paid ([how Origin is paid](https://origindatapartners.com/referral-disclosure)).


## Questions and answers

### Can PhD students do AI training work?

Yes, many listings accept current doctoral students. Handshake AI's physics, math and chemistry roles name PhDs and postdocs, and DataAnnotation's computational biology role accepts current PhD candidates. Check your visa, university policy and funding terms first.

### Can international PhD students on an F-1 visa do AI training work?

Only with work authorisation. USCIS says F-1 students may not work off-campus in their first academic year and need CPT or OPT after that. Handshake AI says CPT- or OPT-eligible F-1 students may be eligible but STEM OPT is not supported. Ask your designated school official.

### Which fields pay PhDs the most for AI training?

On 14 November 2026 the highest published rates were Alignerr's formal mathematics roles at $170 to $200 an hour and micro1's physics PhD and postdoc role at $100 to $170. Handshake AI listed chemistry PhDs at up to $150.

### What is a math AI trainer?

Someone who writes hard maths problems, solves them and grades how an AI model solves them, step by step. Listings at DataAnnotation, Handshake AI, Mercor, micro1 and xAI asked for a master's or PhD on most roles.

### How many hours a week do AI training projects for PhDs take?

Handshake AI says most contributors work about 5 to 20 hours a week on an active project, with no minimum. Alignerr lists 10 to 40 hours, and some Mercor roles ask for at least 20 hours a week on weekdays.

### Do postdocs need permission for AI training side income?

Often, yes. Postdoctoral appointments and fellowships commonly have outside-work and conflict-of-interest rules, and visas may limit work. Check your appointment letter and ask your institution before you start.

## Sources

- [micro1 Physics Expert (PhD / Postdoc) listing](https://jobs.micro1.ai/post/94cc73a6-b8fe-496a-a8ad-4a3466db76f4)
- [micro1 Mathematics Expert listing](https://jobs.micro1.ai/post/9701abf9-febd-4f13-9183-80257478f22a)
- [micro1 mathematics and statistics listing](https://jobs.micro1.ai/post/36e76ca9-8c78-4508-ad3a-817e9a12dfea)
- [micro1 chemistry listing](https://jobs.micro1.ai/post/6d450cdb-b9d0-4063-95c5-201a384fa906)
- [micro1 computational biology listing](https://jobs.micro1.ai/post/b908ffa3-a064-49f9-8d7b-77ce2670824b)
- [Alignerr physics listing](https://www.alignerr.com/jobs/d0b53751-8cc9-43bf-842f-1956a0478833)
- [Alignerr chemistry listing](https://www.alignerr.com/jobs/a4e41700-6f27-4394-88df-270bb38a978a)
- [Alignerr mathematician listing](https://www.alignerr.com/jobs/a2520be7-908b-4ae5-9c46-5d0c2686fc12)
- [Alignerr Lean 4 listing](https://www.alignerr.com/jobs/1f74394c-d1e4-4c2e-aa02-a4044d4c4062)
- [Alignerr Masters or PhD Researcher listing](https://www.alignerr.com/jobs/615a6093-e743-4acd-bb09-02177d658b92)
- [Alignerr FAQs](https://www.alignerr.com/faqs)
- [DataAnnotation Mathematician role](https://www.dataannotation.tech/job-board/mathematician)
- [DataAnnotation Physicist role](https://www.dataannotation.tech/job-board/physicist)
- [DataAnnotation Chemist role](https://www.dataannotation.tech/job-board/chemist)
- [DataAnnotation Computational Biologist role](https://www.dataannotation.tech/job-board/computational-biologist)
- [Handshake AI Physics Expert listing](https://joinhandshake.com/ai/opportunities/physics-expert/)
- [Handshake AI Math Expert listing](https://joinhandshake.com/ai/opportunities/math-ai-trainer/)
- [Handshake AI Statistician listing](https://joinhandshake.com/ai/opportunities/statistician/)
- [Handshake AI Chemistry Expert listing](https://joinhandshake.com/ai/opportunities/chemistry-expert/)
- [Handshake AI Biology Expert (PhD) listing](https://joinhandshake.com/ai/opportunities/biology-expert-phd/)
- [Handshake AI bioinformatics listing](https://joinhandshake.com/ai/opportunities/bioinformatics-computational-biology-expert/)
- [Handshake AI STEM PhD (EU) listing](https://joinhandshake.com/ai/opportunities/stem-phd-eu/)
- [Handshake AI Software Engineer listing](https://joinhandshake.com/ai/opportunities/software-engineer/)
- [Invisible (Meridial) mathematics listing](https://job-boards.eu.greenhouse.io/agency/jobs/4606925101)
- [Mercor Physics Expert listing](https://work.mercor.com/jobs/list_AAABoKMjqUMNbxdYam1EnL82/physics-expert)
- [Mercor Mathematics Expert listing](https://work.mercor.com/jobs/list_AAABoKMjug1fFXpwuDdIZ6TO/mathematics-expert)
- [Mercor Mathematics Domain Expert listing](https://work.mercor.com/jobs/list_AAABoYr34sDSXamCPtFMIrdv/mathematics-domain-expert)
- [Mercor formal mathematics listing](https://work.mercor.com/jobs/list_AAABocIgqB7Hmstj7KhMXJn5/formal-mathematics-specialist-lean-coq-isabelle)
- [Mercor Chemistry Expert listing](https://work.mercor.com/jobs/list_AAABoKMjbmWSx1ImOhtE4p1n/chemistry-expert)
- [Mercor Biology Expert listing](https://work.mercor.com/jobs/list_AAABoKMjUBDgN45J6XxLf7pG/biology-expert)
- [Mercor genomics listing](https://work.mercor.com/jobs/list_AAABoWVP6g3Jos-M1D1GS6Dh/genomics-cell-biology-specialist)
- [xAI AI Tutor, Math listing](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/xai/jobs/4925859007)
- [xAI AI Tutor, Physics listing](https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/xai/jobs/4925832007)
- [Snorkel AI Expert Community: math](https://snorkel.ai/expert-community/math/)
- [Outlier homepage](https://outlier.ai/)
- [USCIS: students and employment](https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/students-and-employment)

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