Microbiologist

$70–90/hrrate as listed

micro1 is contracting microbiologists to write, review, and score AI-generated content on bacterial, fungal, and algal biology, including medical microbiology and antimicrobial action. Work is remote, contractor-based, and paid hourly in an observed $70–90/hr range depending on degree level and depth of specialization.

Summary, eligibility guidance and screening preparation are prepared by Sidequest from the platform's posting. Check the source listing before applying.

What the work involves

You will spend most of your time reading model outputs about microbiology and deciding whether they are actually correct. That means catching a response that confuses Gram-negative outer membrane structure with cell wall thickness, flagging an antibiotic mechanism attributed to the wrong ribosomal subunit, or noticing that a model has cited a susceptibility breakpoint that no longer reflects current standards. Alongside evaluation, you may be asked to author prompts and reference answers — short technical explanations, experimental design questions, or reasoning chains on topics like biofilm formation, fungal dimorphism, algal culture conditions, or host–pathogen interaction.

Scoring is rubric-driven. You apply a defined criteria set covering factual accuracy, completeness, reasoning quality, and safety, and you write a justification that a reviewer who is not a microbiologist can follow. Clear, specific written rationale matters more than volume. Assignments arrive in batches and topic mix shifts as the customer's needs move, so expect variety rather than a fixed weekly task.

What the screening looks for

micro1's process is AI-led and moves quickly. Expect an asynchronous interview where a voice or text agent asks about your degree, lab background, and specific organisms or systems you have worked with — then follows up on your answers. Vague claims get probed. Someone who says they have "extensive antimicrobial experience" should be able to name the assays they ran, the resistance mechanisms they observed, and where their knowledge stops. You may also complete a short written sample: judging two model answers, picking the better one, and defending the call in a paragraph. Recognizing your own boundaries is scored positively, not penalized.

Logistics

Fully remote, contractor engagement — no relocation, no on-site lab component.
Largely asynchronous; occasional calibration calls or interdisciplinary syncs may be scheduled.
Flexible hours, typically 10–20 per week, with capacity for more during active project phases.
Pay in the $70–90/hr range is what has been observed on this listing, not a guaranteed rate; final terms are set by micro1 per contract.
Minimum credential is a bachelor's in microbiology, biology, chemistry, or a closely related field; MSc and PhD holders are prioritized.

What they look for

Biology
Microbiology
Chemistry
Bacteria
Fungi

Before you apply

Would you pass this screen?

Drawn from what this listing actually requires. Answered in your browser — nothing is sent to us, and we do not store your answers.

Do you hold a Bachelor's degree or higher in Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or a closely related science field?
Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or related field · required
Have you performed hands-on laboratory work (culturing, identifying, or analyzing bacteria, fungi, or algae) in a professional, academic, or research setting—not coursework alone?
Hands-on laboratory experience with microorganisms · required
Are you able to work fully remote and available to start within the timeline specified by the platform?
Remote work availability · required
Have you written, developed, or systematically applied a rubric or evaluation checklist in a scientific, educational, or QA context?
Prior rubric or evaluation framework experience · preferred
Have you participated in an AI training, machine learning, data annotation, or labeling project—in any domain?
AI, annotation, or ML project experience · preferred
Do you hold a Master's degree or PhD in Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or a closely related field?
Master's degree or PhD in a relevant field · preferred

0 of 6 answered

Included with this listing

Interview prep — 17 questions

Matched to what this platform's screening actually measures. Answer each out loud in 60–90 seconds: claim → concrete example → implication.

What it tests: Whether the candidate has genuine hands-on experience identifying and analyzing microbial morphology and behavior, not just textbook familiarity.
A strong answer: Name a specific organism, describe the physiological or structural property investigated (e.g., cell wall composition, metabolic pathway, virulence factor), and name the actual methods used (microscopy, culture, biochemical assay, sequencing). Avoid vague language like 'I studied bacteria.'
Where people lose it: Describing microbiology at a general high-school or introductory-college level, or discussing organisms only theoretically without experimental detail. Candidates who have never designed or executed a microbiology investigation often cannot name the organism, the specific property, or the method.