Role Overview
Merva is hiring a Junior Software Developer & AI Researcher (12-Week Summer Contract). This is a contract hybrid role, based in Baltimore. Part of Merva's Qa hiring. Full responsibilities, required qualifications, and the apply link are listed in the description below.
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Job Description
Project: Merva (Intelligent Tutoring System) Location: Baltimore, MD (Hybrid/Remote) Duration: 12 Weeks (Summer 2026)
About Merva
Merva is an AI-native Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) designed to achieve 100% automation in mathematics instruction. Merva operates on a rigorous "Teacher-Architect" philosophy, providing tailored interventions for teacher and student needs. The system will deploy a multi-agent AI architecture—hosted on local high-performance hardware—to generate scaffolded lessons, dynamically parameterize problems, and provide affective feedback based on cognitive load theory.
The Role
We are seeking a Junior Software Developer & AI Researcher for a 12-week summer sprint. You will work directly with the Lead Architect to build the core orchestration middleware of the Merva application.
An ideal candidate is an upper year or recent graduate with a degree in math + computer science.
While the Lead Architect will define the pedagogical logic, knowledge graph structures, and math curriculum, your primary focus will be engineering the multi-agent routing system, ensuring seamless communication between distinct AI agents and building the API bridges to the mathematical database.
Key Responsibilities
- Multi-Agent Orchestration: Design and implement a robust state-machine utilizing frameworks like LangGraph or AutoGen to govern interactions between specialized AI agents.
- Local Inference Integration: Assist in configuring and optimizing local LLM deployment (e.g., via vLLM, llama.cpp) for high-performance eGPU/workstation environments.
- Knowledge Graph API: Build the connective tissue between the multi-agent swarm and a deterministic graph database, allowing the AI to accurately parse prerequisite sub-graphs.
- Tool Use & Validation Failsafes: Integrate symbolic math libraries (like SymPy) and secure Python sandboxes so the AI can test, execute, and mathematically validate the problems and LaTeX strings it generates before presenting them to the student.
- Error Handling: Develop strict fallback protocols to ensure the system gracefully recovers from AI hallucinations or logic loops without breaking the student-facing instructional flow.
Required Qualifications
- Technical Background: Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Computational Engineering, or a closely related field.
- LLM Orchestration: Hands-on experience building custom applications with large language models, specifically using agentic frameworks (LangChain, LangGraph, AutoGen).
- Mathematical Foundation: Strong background knowledge of undergraduate mathematics and AI.
- Systems Programming: High proficiency in Python and experience with asynchronous programming and API development.
Bonus Skills
- Experience with knowledge space theory or graph databases.
- Familiarity with open-source local inference engines and hardware optimization (VRAM management, quantization).
- Understanding of learning science principles, such as cognitive load theory.
Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Baltimore, MD 21201
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for the Junior Software Developer & AI Researcher (12-Week Summer Contract) position at Merva?
Use the Apply button above to submit your application directly to Merva. Most applications take less than 5 minutes if your resume and contact details are ready, and you'll be routed to the employer's official application system to finish.
Is the Junior Software Developer & AI Researcher (12-Week Summer Contract) role at Merva remote or in-office?
This is a hybrid role based in Baltimore. Expect a mix of in-office and remote days, with the specific cadence set by the hiring manager.
What does a Junior Software Developer & AI Researcher (12-Week Summer Contract) at Merva earn?
Merva has not disclosed a salary range in this posting. Many employers share specifics later in the interview process; you can also ask during a recruiter screen if compensation transparency is important to you.
When was the Junior Software Developer & AI Researcher (12-Week Summer Contract) role at Merva posted?
This role was posted on April 16, 2026 (60 days ago). It's still listed as actively hiring; we re-confirm openings against the source system multiple times per day and remove closed roles.
Is the Junior Software Developer & AI Researcher (12-Week Summer Contract) role at Merva entry-level?
Yes. This is an entry-level position. Strong candidates typically have 0-2 years of relevant work experience, internships, or significant project work. Read the full description for any specific qualification requirements Merva has listed.
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