Food & Beverage Expert

This description is a summary of our understanding of the job description. Click on 'Apply' button to find out more. Role Description Mercor is collaborating with a leading AI lab to engage Food & Beverage experts as independent contractors. You’ll turn real shopper briefs into clear, confident picks—pantry staples and specialty ingredients, cheese/charcuterie, coffee/tea, chocolate, and wine/beer/spirits—for a range of tastes, diets, and budgets. Your job is to make great buys obvious and explain why . This is short-term, project-based work with full flexibility to set your own hours. We’re seeking buyer-facing curators—think the best associate at a specialty grocer, bottle shop, cheese counter, or café. Key Responsibilities Translate shopper needs (taste, diet/allergens, occasion, budget) into well-justified recommendations with links, prices, pros/cons, and “who this is for.” Compare across price tiers and retailers; flag value picks and premium standouts and note availability/shipability. Consider dietary and authenticity cues (e.g., vegan/halal/kosher, gluten-free/allergens, PDO/PGI/DOP, regional styles) and suggest smart substitutions. Create buyer’s guides (weekday wine under $20, beginner espresso setup, cheeses for a picnic, gifts for home cooks). Review and refine AI-suggested picks; correct gaps and add missing context. Source from reputable retailers; avoid counterfeit/grey-market. Qualifications Hands-on, buyer-facing background: specialty grocery, cheese/charcuterie counter, wine/spirits retail, coffee/tea, category merchandising, or credible editorial/reviewer experience. Serious enthusiasts with track records are also welcome (e.g., wine / chocolate / cheese expert). Ability to follow technical instructions with stellar written communication skills. Practical judgment on diet/allergens, storage/shipping of perishables, and basic label literacy. Nice to have: sommelier / cicerone / barista certifications; menu or pairing experience. More About the Opportunity Remote and asynchronous — work on your own schedule. Flexible weekly commitment; project flow may vary. Short-term and project-based, with potential for ongoing work. You control your methods and schedule; Mercor support team available for inquiries. Compensation & Contract Terms $40–$80/hour (USD), depending on demonstrated expertise, education, and depth of work. Payments for services rendered issued weekly via Stripe Connect. Independent contractor classification; set your own hours. Scope and rates may vary by project. Application Process Submit your resume to get started. Complete a short 20-minute AI interview. Optional: one-question form to highlight your expertise (especially useful for serious enthusiasts without direct professional experience). Mercor will follow up with next steps based on project availability.