Biology is a field where models produce fluent, well-structured answers that are mechanistically impossible, and where spotting that requires someone who has actually worked at the bench.
What the listings actually pay
Across 24 live listings in this category that publish a rate, the median top-of-range is $95 an hour, reaching $220 at the top. Genomics, molecular biology, and biochemistry all appear in current listings, with the more specialized subfields paying toward the top.
| # | Role | Advertised rate | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Structural Biologist (Protein Design, AI Evaluation) | $150 to $220 an hour | Mercor |
| 2 | Biology Expert | $150 to $150 an hour | Handshake AI |
| 3 | Computational Genomics, Statistical Bioinformatics Expert (PhD) | $120 to $120 an hour | Mercor |
| 4 | Computational Biology Expert | $90 to $120 an hour | micro1 |
| 5 | Biology / environmental science Evaluator | $80 to $120 an hour | Dorado |
| 6 | Molecular Biology Experts | $70 to $105 an hour | Mercor |
| 7 | Biochemistry & Life Sciences Domain Expert | $65 to $105 an hour | Mercor |
| 8 | Bioinformatics & Computational Single-Cell Genomics Expert | $70 to $100 an hour | Mercor |
| 9 | Biology Research Scientist (BA, MS, PhD's) | $60 to $100 an hour | Mercor |
| 10 | Biologist | $70 to $90 an hour | micro1 |
Source: 24 live listings on this board that publish a rate, read directly from each posting on 2026-09-05. Listings without a published rate are excluded rather than estimated.
What moves your rate
Every listing below links to the full role with its own requirements and application link. Rates shown are what the listing itself advertises, and listings without a published rate are left out rather than estimated.
How to apply
Every role above links to its own page with the full requirements and a direct application link. Applications are completed on the hiring platform and typically take a few minutes, with a short skills assessment in place of an interview.
Two things are worth doing before you apply. Check whether the role accepts applicants from your country using the eligibility checker, and run the advertised rate through the take-home calculator, because this is contract work and the headline rate is before self-employment tax.
Frequently asked questions
What do AI jobs for biologists and life scientists pay?
Across 24 live listings in this category with published rates, the median top-of-range is $95 an hour and the highest currently reaches $220.
What background do these listings want?
Most ask for graduate-level training in a life science, and many specify a PhD. Bench experience is frequently mentioned as a distinguishing factor.
Can I do this during a postdoc?
Usually yes, as contract work with no institutional claim on the output. Check your institution's outside-work policy, especially on a restricted visa.
Is this contract or employment?
Nearly all of it is contract work, paid hourly for approved hours. That means no benefits and you handle your own taxes, which our take-home calculator accounts for.
Can I do this alongside a full-time job?
Yes, and most people do. The work is asynchronous with no set shifts, so it fits into evenings and weekends without a scheduling conflict.
See every live role
The full board updates several times a week, with the advertised rate on each listing and closed roles removed.