Database Administrators

1. Role Overview

Mercor is collaborating with a leading AI organization to identify experienced Database Administrators for a high-priority training and evaluation project. Freelancers will be tasked with performing a wide range of real-world database operations to support AI model development focused on SQL, systems administration, and performance optimization. This short-term contract is ideal for experts ready to bring practical, production-grade insights to frontier AI training efforts.

2. Key Responsibilities

• Design and optimize complex SQL queries using EXPLAIN plans and indexing strategies
• Implement schema changes with CREATE/ALTER statements and rollback planning
• Configure and validate automated backup and restoration procedures
• Manage user roles and permissions following defined security policies
• Export/import data between systems with validation checks and encoding integrity
• Execute data quality checks and report violations with remediation scripts
• Apply statistics updates, manage transaction logs, and test failover recovery
• Perform compliance data extractions, patching, and system audits for enterprise use cases
• Document processes and performance findings in clear, reproducible formats
  
  
  

3. Ideal Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as a Database Administrator working in production environments
• Expert-level SQL skills and proficiency with PostgreSQL, MySQL, and/or SQL Server
• Strong background in performance tuning, security, data integrity, and schema design
• Familiarity with compliance standards (e.g., SOX), data export formats, and backup tooling
• Comfortable handling large datasets, interpreting execution plans, and managing database infrastructure end-to-end
• Ability to produce production-quality scripts and documentation for technical audiences
  
  
  

4. More About the Opportunity

• Remote and asynchronous — work on your own schedule
• Expected commitment: minimum 30 hours/week
• Project duration: :6 weeks
  
  
  

5. Compensation & Contract Terms

• $90–100/hour for U.S.-based freelancers (localized rates may vary)
• Paid weekly via Stripe Connect
• You’ll be classified as an independent contractor
  
  
  

6. Application Process

• Submit your resume followed by domain expertise interview and short form
  
  
  

7. About Mercor

• Mercor is a talent marketplace that connects top experts with leading AI labs and research organizations.
• Our investors include Benchmark, General Catalyst, Adam D’Angelo, Larry Summers, and Jack Dorsey.
• Thousands of professionals across domains like law, creatives, engineering, and research have joined Mercor to work on frontier projects shaping the next era of AI.