What Glowstone is
Glowstone is a Mercor project for generalists who own a Mac. On Mercor's job board it appears as Generalist (Must own MacBook). An offer shared by an accepted contractor called it Glowstone, Generalist (Must own MacBook), which is the listing linked on this page.
Mercor describes the work as supporting a research project with a leading AI lab, to help benchmark and improve AI models. In practice you create research questions, answers and evaluation material that are used to train and test language models. A post about that offer says the tasks ask for detailed, complex instructions and answers rather than short replies.
The Mac requirement exists because the tasks are done on your own computer, inside the Apple ecosystem. Mercor runs several sister listings that work the same way for specific fields, listed further down.
What Glowstone pays
The official listing pays $40 to $80 an hour on an hourly contract. Mercor pays weekly through Stripe or Wise for the hours you log. The rate you are offered depends on your background and the assessment.
One accepted contributor reported an offer of $50 per task, with 13 days to accept. Pay terms can differ between offers, so read the rate and pay unit in your own contract before you start.
Expect part time work of about 10 to 20 hours a week. Mercor says projects can be extended, shortened or ended early depending on needs and performance, so do not count on fixed hours.
Who can apply
- You need a MacBook or Mac with an Apple M series chip or an Intel processor, running macOS 15 or later.
- You need a current or recently completed master's degree, or 2 to 3 years of relevant experience plus a bachelor's degree. Both STEM and non STEM backgrounds are accepted.
- You need strong online research skills and excellent written English, because every answer is reviewed.
- The role is fully remote and on your own schedule. Mercor says it cannot support candidates on H-1B or STEM OPT visas.
How to apply
- Open the listing and upload your CV. Mercor asks for your full legal name, email and LinkedIn profile, or you can say you do not have one.
- Do the short AI interview. For this listing it lasts about 3 minutes.
- Complete the short paid assessment.
- Expect a reply within a few days. If you are accepted you sign an independent contractor agreement and join the project.
Before you apply, make your CV show research, writing and careful checking, since that is what Glowstone tasks reward. You can tailor your CV to the listing in a few minutes.
Tips from contributors
- Write full, specific instructions and answers. Short or generic replies are the most common reason for rejection.
- Read the project guidelines before your first task and keep them open while you work.
- Use only your own knowledge and research. Mercor's writing projects forbid AI generated answers.
- Keep personal and confidential information out of your work. The listing says no employer or client material may be used.
