Data Processing Specialist Job ($40/Hour) at Mercor via Crossing Hurdles – Contract-Based Opportunity Temporary

1. Job Overview 

Mercor, in collaboration with its referral partner Crossing Hurdles, is hiring Data Processing Specialists for a fully remote contract role. This position focuses on data annotation, structuring, and quality assurance to support advanced AI research projects. The role offers flexible hours, remote work, and a competitive $40 per hour pay rate.

2. Company Introduction 

Crossing Hurdles is a global recruitment and staffing firm known for delivering highly specialized talent to innovative organizations. The company focuses on sourcing, screening, and referring the top 1% of professionals across industries such as technology, product, finance, customer support, growth, and operations. By working closely with hiring partners, Crossing Hurdles ensures that candidates are not only technically capable but also aligned with project goals and organizational culture.

For this opportunity, Crossing Hurdles is acting as a referral partner to Mercor, an organization that collaborates with the world’s leading AI research laboratories. Mercor enables the development of cutting-edge artificial intelligence systems by combining human expertise with large-scale data training. Through flexible, high-impact contract roles, Mercor allows professionals worldwide to contribute directly to the improvement of next-generation AI models.

3. Job Details Table 

4. Salary, Benefits & Allowances 

The Data Processing Specialist role offers a competitive hourly rate of $40, paid on a contract basis. Candidates can choose flexible working hours ranging from 10 to 40 hours per week, making this role suitable for freelancers, remote professionals, or those seeking supplemental income. As a fully remote position, there are no commuting costs, allowing professionals to work from anywhere in the world. While traditional benefits such as health insurance are not included due to the contract nature, training support is provided to ensure success in the role. The possibility of contract extension through December adds long-term earning potential for high performers.

5. Job Responsibilities

• Synthesize and interpret large volumes of structured and unstructured data

• Annotate text, images, and other data types following detailed guidelines

• Apply predefined rubrics, taxonomies, and annotation standards

• Ensure consistent and high-quality outputs across datasets

• Identify inconsistencies, ambiguities, or errors within data

• Flag quality issues for further review and correction

• Contribute directly to improving AI model accuracy and performance

• Follow strict documentation and annotation protocols

• Maintain focus and accuracy in a remote, asynchronous environment

• Collaborate indirectly with AI research and quality teams

• Adapt to evolving guidelines and project requirements

• Complete assigned tasks within agreed timelines

6. Required Education & Skills 

• Strong ability to organize and structure complex datasets

• Excellent written communication skills

• High attention to detail and consistency

• Ability to follow detailed instructions and rubrics

• Experience with data annotation, labeling, or analysis (preferred)

• Familiarity with taxonomies or structured guidelines (a plus)

• Ability to work independently in a remote environment

• Strong time management and self-discipline

• Comfortable with repetitive but precision-focused tasks

7. How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Open the official job listing shared by Crossing Hurdles

2. Click the Apply button

3. Upload your updated resume

4. Complete the AI-based interview (approximately 10 minutes)

5. The interview will assess data-handling ability and written clarity

6. Submit the final application form

7. Await response or next steps from Mercor

🕒 Total application time: approximately 15 minutes

8. Selection Process

The selection process begins with an initial resume review to ensure candidates meet baseline data-handling and communication requirements. Shortlisted applicants then complete a brief AI-based interview designed to evaluate attention to detail, written comprehension, and ability to follow structured guidelines. The assessment reflects real-world data annotation scenarios used in AI training. Mercor prioritizes consistency, clarity, and accuracy over speed. Successful candidates are onboarded quickly due to the project-based nature of the work, with training support provided to align contributors with annotation standards and workflows.

9. Expected Interview Questions 

• Describe your experience working with structured or unstructured data

• How do you ensure accuracy when following detailed guidelines?

• Are you comfortable performing repetitive annotation tasks?

• How do you manage focus in a remote, asynchronous role?

• Have you worked with rubrics or taxonomies before?

• How do you handle ambiguous or unclear data?

10. Tips to Get Selected 

To increase your chances of selection, ensure your resume highlights any experience related to data handling, analysis, or structured documentation. During the AI interview, read instructions carefully and respond clearly, as attention to detail is critical for this role. Avoid rushing responses and focus on consistency. Demonstrating patience, accuracy, and the ability to work independently will set you apart. A quiet workspace and reliable internet connection will also help ensure smooth onboarding and performance once selected.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is this job fully remote?
Yes, the role is 100% remote.

Q2: Who is the actual organization hiring?
The organization is Mercor, with Crossing Hurdles acting as the referral partner.

Q3: What is the hourly pay rate?
The pay rate is $40 per hour.

Q4: Is this a full-time role?
No, it is a contract-based role with flexible hours.

Q5: How many hours can I work per week?
Between 10 and 40 hours, depending on availability.

Q6: Is training provided?
Yes, training support is provided.

Q7: Can this contract be extended?
Yes, there is potential for extension through December.

12. Final Conclusion

The Data Processing Specialist role at Mercor, referred by Crossing Hurdles, is an excellent remote contract opportunity for detail-oriented professionals. With flexible hours, solid pay, and direct involvement in AI development, this position is ideal for candidates seeking meaningful, well-paid remote work.

Other Jobs We Offer

At Appolo Jobs, we offer a wide range of online job opportunities so every user can find something that matches their skills, interests, and earning goals. Our platform features multiple categories, including Sales and marketing, Customer Support, Digital marketing, web designing, Data entry, typing jobs, and Moderator role, and various part-time or full-time remote jobs. Each listing is carefully checked to ensure it comes from a trusted and verified company, giving you a safe and reliable environment to find genuine online work. Whether you’re a student looking for flexible hours, a stay-at-home parent searching for part-time income, or a professional wanting a stable remote job, our website provides options for every type of worker. We also update the platform regularly, so users can find fresh opportunities every day without worrying about scams or fake listings. At Appolo Jobs, our goal is to make online earning simple, secure, and accessible to everyone. Explore our other job categories today and discover how you can start earning from the comfort of your home with confidence and convenience.