For Prospective Research Mentors
Research Mentor (STEM) — Virtual Research Institute
Virtual Research Institute (VRI) is seeking academically accomplished researchers to design and guide rigorous, fully online research experiences for motivated high-school students.
We welcome applications from advanced PhD candidates, postdoctoral scholars, university faculty, PhD holders, and highly qualified researchers specializing in mathematics, statistics, computer science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, computational science, and related quantitative disciplines.
Responsibilities include:
Developing academically substantive research projects with clear objectives and appropriate methodologies.
Guiding students through original research questions, mathematical reasoning, computational investigations, and scholarly literature.
Leading scheduled virtual research meetings and providing meaningful academic feedback.
Supporting research papers, technical reports, computational notebooks, presentations, and other approved scholarly deliverables.
Maintaining high standards of research integrity, confidentiality, student safeguarding, and professional conduct.
Compensation and Commitment:
Research Circles: $3,600 per approved four-week project, with an estimated total commitment of 41–48 hours.
Research Teams: $5,400 per approved eight-week project, with an estimated total commitment of 65–72 hours.
Compensation is project-based, not an hourly wage. Engagements are intended to be independent-contractor arrangements where legally appropriate, subject to project-specific agreements, screening, and onboarding requirements. Assignments are not guaranteed.
Location: Fully remote, United States.
VRI provides an intellectually rigorous, research-focused environment in which mentors help emerging scholars develop independence, technical expertise, critical thinking, and authentic research skills.
Official Application — Required
All candidates must complete VRI's official Research Mentor Application to be considered.
Apply here:
For questions about research mentorship opportunities, qualifications, or the application process, contact: