Political Science Expert
Listing checked October 25, 2026 · pay as published by Handshake AI
Overview
Handshake AI hires political science PhDs for paid, project-based work that supports model research without pulling them into a traditional academic post. Your knowledge of political institutions, comparative politics, and international relations shapes how you review model output on governance, political behavior, and evidence. Assignments ask you to judge AI-generated answers, explain weak reasoning, and give organized critique that helps a model handle complex political questions. Projects run on an ongoing basis and fit alongside a primary job.
What You'll Do7
- 1Review AI-generated answers on political topics and flag factual errors, weak evidence, or missing context.
- 2Score model responses against project rubrics and explain each judgment in clear written notes.
- 3Apply expertise in areas such as American politics, comparative politics, international relations, or public law to test how well a model handles domain questions.
- 4Compare competing model outputs on governance, political behavior, and institutional analysis, then note which response shows stronger reasoning.
- 5Write clear feedback that helps researchers see where a model misunderstands political concepts or misreads evidence.
- 6Follow detailed project guidelines and meet review deadlines for each batch of tasks.
- 7Identify recurring weaknesses in model answers and summarize them for project leads.
Requirements8
- 1A completed PhD or advanced PhD candidacy in political science, government, international relations, or a related field. Candidates past coursework and in at least the third year of study qualify.
- 2A degree from a reputable institution.
- 3A research record that includes peer-reviewed publications, working papers, or conference presentations.
- 4Deep knowledge in one or more areas: American politics, comparative politics, democratization, international relations, security studies, political economy, political theory, public opinion, political behavior, elections, public law, judicial politics, conflict studies, international organizations, public administration, or public policy.
- 5Skill in quantitative or qualitative methods, including causal inference where relevant.
- 6Experience assessing complex political questions with formal analysis and rigorous evidence.
- 7Strong writing and close attention to detail.
- 8Comfort working on your own and following detailed project guidelines.
Who Should Apply
Political science PhDs, postdocs, and advanced candidates past coursework fit this work. Faculty and researchers with peer-reviewed papers or conference presentations can apply their specialty in American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political economy, or public law to AI evaluation projects.
Salary Insight
The listing states a rate of $75.00 per hour for part-time, project-based AI research work. That pay lines up with senior subject-matter review, where a completed PhD and a publication record carry real weight, and project hours vary by assignment.
Pay and demand for Data Science & Analytics roles
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$70/hour
This role
$75/hr
Most Data Science & Analytics roles pay $40–$95 per hour. This role's pay falls inside that range.
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Compensation
$75/hr
Required Skills
Application Tip
List your dissertation field and two or three publications or conference papers in the application, then connect each item to a specialty named in the posting, such as American politics, comparative politics, or international relations. Add a short writing sample that shows how you weigh evidence in a political argument.
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