Economics Research Expert - AI Lab Project
Listing checked September 29, 2026 · pay as published by Mercor
Overview
Mercor seeks Economics Research Experts to support a research project tied to a leading foundational model AI lab. The work runs remote and pays per hour, with a minimum four-week engagement. You bring a master's or PhD in economics plus at least one year at an institution such as the World Bank, IMF, Federal Reserve, or a graduate school economics department. The schedule asks for no less than 10 hours each week, and strong contributions can put you in line for later Mercor projects.
What You'll Do5
- 1Carry out economics research tasks set by the partner AI lab, using your graduate training in economic theory and empirical methods.
- 2Commit at least 10 hours each week to the engagement for a minimum of four weeks.
- 3Deliver project work on a schedule that fits the four-week window.
- 4Track and report time and progress so Mercor can assess your contributions.
- 5Build a record of reliable work that supports selection for future Mercor projects.
Requirements5
- 1Master's degree or PhD in economics.
- 2At least one year of research experience at a top economics institution, such as the World Bank, IMF, Federal Reserve, or a graduate school department.
- 3Availability for 10 or more hours per week.
- 4Ability to stay on the project for a minimum of four weeks.
- 5Comfort working as a remote contributor on a per-hour contract.
Who Should Apply
Economists with a master's or PhD and at least one year inside a top research setting such as the World Bank, IMF, Federal Reserve, or a graduate economics department will match this project well. The role suits people who can set aside 10 hours or more each week and stay active for at least four weeks. Candidates who lack an advanced economics degree or cannot show institutional research experience may score lower on fit. Mercor also sees a lot of applicants who list the right degree but fail to verify their institution or research dates. If you cannot commit the hours each week or the four-week window, this project is not a good use of your time.
Salary Insight
The pay range is $120 to $150 per hour. For remote economics research contracts, that range sits at the top end and matches candidates who hold a master's or PhD plus institutional research experience at places like the World Bank or Federal Reserve. Mercor lists the engagement as paid per hour, so your total pay depends on the hours you log each week. No bonus, benefits, or overtime terms appear in the source.
Pay and demand for Market Research & Insights roles
AggregatedTypical pay
$90/hour
This role
$120–$150/hr
Most Market Research & Insights roles pay $59–$139 per hour. This role's pay falls inside that range.
Based on 32 similar roles that publish pay · 1 publishes only a top rate; those count at the rate they gave
Rates shown per hour. Yearly and monthly pay converted; one-time fees and non-USD pay are not included.
- Live similar roles
- 40
- Listed in last 30 days
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Hiring most right now: micro1 (12) · Mercor (11) · Terac (6)
Most requested skills · share of roles
- equity research15%
- financial modeling15%
- ai evaluation15%
- data analysis15%
Figures from Market Research & Insights roles live on NearSkill when this page loaded. A role can close before you apply, so check the listing itself.
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Compensation
$120–150/hr
Required Skills
Application Tip
Name your degree, your institution, and the exact years you spent on economics research. If you worked at the World Bank, IMF, Federal Reserve, or a graduate economics department, put that first. State that you can give 10 or more hours each week for at least four weeks. Those details map straight to the fit criteria Mercor uses for this project.
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