Biology AI Safety Expert, PhD Required

About OpenTrain

OpenTrain is the #1 platform for finding and building careers in AI training and data labeling. We help freelancers consolidate proof of work, discover specialized projects, and grow a durable portfolio in the fast-growing human side of AI.

About AI training and this work

AI training (also called data labeling or human feedback) is how modern models learn from human examples and judgments. Contributors write prompts, review outputs, rate responses, and annotate content that shapes how AI systems behave.

This role sits at the intersection of life sciences and AI safety: your expertise will guide models to be scientifically accurate, helpful, and careful around sensitive biosecurity topics.

The role

OpenTrain is hiring a Biology AI Safety Expert to create expert-level prompts, evaluate model outputs for scientific accuracy and helpfulness, and classify prompts and conversations according to structured guidelines. You will work remotely as a contractor and contribute directly to improving model behavior on biology topics.

• Work type: Contract, part-time (CONTRACTOR, PART_TIME).
• Location: US-based applicants only; work in English.
• Time commitment: Minimum 20+ hours per week.

What you'll do

• Write expert-level prompts about specialized biology and life-science topics to test and train model behavior.
• Review and annotate model responses for scientific accuracy, clarity, and helpfulness.
• Identify and flag dual-use or biosecurity-sensitive content; apply structured guidelines for safe handling.
• Classify prompts and conversations using provided schema and annotation instructions.
• Provide concise written feedback and reasoned judgments to support model improvement.

Requirements

• PhD in biology or a closely related life-science field (ongoing or completed) — required.
• Deep familiarity with laboratory and computational techniques in your subfield.
• Strong scientific reasoning and clear English writing skills.
• Sound judgment about biosecurity, dual-use risks, and safe handling of sensitive information.
• Experience reviewing, grading, or red-teaming technical content (stated as required in additionalRequirements).

Helpful background

Candidates with prior coursework or research in biosafety, biosecurity, pathogen biology, or gain-of-function topics will be especially well suited to the role. Experience evaluating technical content, performing peer review, or participating in red-team exercises is also valuable.

Compensation & schedule

Pay is hourly at $65–$70 USD per hour (PAY_PER_HOUR). This is a part-time contract role with a typical commitment of 20+ hours per week. Exact hours are flexible within the part-time, contractor arrangement.

How OpenTrain hiring works

OpenTrain AI is the hiring and contracting organization for this role. Apply through your OpenTrain profile so your work and assessments contribute to a lasting portfolio you control.

If you meet the requirements, you'll be asked to complete task-based assessments that demonstrate your domain expertise and annotation judgment. Successful reviewers are invited to ongoing contract work and future biology-focused projects.

• Languages: English required.
• Labeling types: text generation, question answering, evaluation/rating (TEXT_GENERATION, QUESTION_ANSWERING, EVALUATION_RATING).