Astronomer Quality Assurance Lead (QAL)

What you'll do

You run quality for astronomy and astrophysics AI projects. That means two layers of review. The first is scientific: calculations, unit handling, observational interpretations, diagrams and step-by-step reasoning in AI explanations. The second is people: spot-checking trainer and QA items, giving feedback in direct messages, answering Discord questions, and chasing inactive contributors.

You also maintain style guides, FAQs, trackers, calibration tasks and honeypots, and run onboarding calls. The ad names physically impossible, numerically wrong and poorly sourced claims as the things to flag.

Who fits

• A bachelor's, master's or PhD in astronomy, astrophysics, physics, space science, planetary science or cosmology
• Three or more years in astronomy research, teaching, science communication, observatory work or data analysis
• Command of celestial mechanics, stellar evolution, galaxies, cosmology, spectroscopy, planetary systems and scientific uncertainty
• Python, datasets, photometry, LaTeX or Jupyter experience is preferred
• Experience leading remote teams of reviewers, educators or researchers is strongly preferred

AI training, LLM evaluation, scientific QA or rubric-based review is a strong plus.

The role is open to applicants in the United States only.

What it pays

SME's listing says up to $110 an hour with no floor. That is the highest QAL ceiling in this batch and $10 above the Astronomer & Space Scientist expert role. The listing does not state how or when you are paid; the company page covers SME's Deel payout cycle.

Worth knowing

Good:

• Highest lead-role ceiling in this set of SME listings
• Scientific review plus leadership, a combination that suits former lab leads and instructors
• Clear list of defects to look for

Less good:

• Selection includes an AI interview, a domain-specific task and a recruiter interview
• No immediate project is attached
• US only, and up to $110 is a ceiling

About this listing

Posted on SME Careers (sme.careers), where SuperAnnotate hires subject matter experts, and read on 27 October 2026. The board gives no posting date. The duties, requirements and pay are SME's own text; the comparisons and commentary are ours. The interview, Deel contract, bootcamp and time tracking are covered on the company page rather than repeated here. The ad says selection involves an AI interview, a domain-specific task and an interview with a recruiter. The ad says there is no immediate project for this role; qualified applicants are among the first contacted when relevant work opens, which also gives access to future projects in the expert network. See SuperAnnotate.