Annotator [contract position]

Earth Species Project (ESP) is a non-profit using frontier AI to decode animal communication. We believe the exponential progress we’re seeing in AI offers new ways of looking at the world and expanding the ability of human beings to learn from other species. Our hope is that this will make a significant contribution to altering human perspective on how we relate to the rest of nature.

ESP partners with biologists and machine learning researchers at leading universities and institutions around the world, and we are honored to be supported by many forward-looking philanthropists and groups, including Reid Hoffman, Waverley Street Foundation, Allen Family Philanthropies, McGovern Foundation and the National Geographic Society. ESP’s work is scaling rapidly and we are seeking a detail-oriented, mission-driven accounting professional to join our team and help ensure the financial infrastructure that supports our research and growth is accurate, compliant, and built to scale.

We are seeking two Bioacoustics Annotators to serve as an internal data consultant across multiple exciting projects. In this role, you will be the driving force behind creating datasets for training and evaluating AI models focused on processing animal communication data. Annotators will report to senior research scientists, who will oversee annotation efforts and provide additional training in applying analysis tools and interpretation of results.

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  Audio Annotation: Precision labeling of bioacoustic audio across various diverse projects, for example, vocalization onsets and offsets, species identification, and call type classification. While audio will be your main focus, annotation tasks may include other modalities of data (e.g., voice notes, video).

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  Pipeline Optimization: Test and provide constructive feedback on our annotation software and user interfaces to help us streamline and speed up the data pipeline.

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  Annotation Validation: Develop and use software to ensure annotation quality.

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  Dataset integration and curation: Integrate datasets into pre-existing data infrastructure. 

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  Collaboration on Scientific Projects: Contribute to scientific publications by describing annotation methods in writing. Work with researchers to integrate your observations of data into scientific processes and help interpret results. Attend regular team meetings and discussions.

• Education requirements: Undergrad degree in relevant field (e.g., computer science, marine biology, zoology, acoustics, environmental science) or equivalent experience. Experience with tools like Raven is advantageous for this position. 

• Bioacoustics experience: You have a solid background handling and interpreting acoustic data and familiarity with data collection protocols and common formats. We are not looking for a specific taxonomic specialty—your expertise could be in birds, marine mammals, insects, or something else. 

• Coding experience: You are comfortable creating code (Python) to review annotations, summarize datasets with figures, and integrate datasets into ESP’s data platform. You are comfortable navigating software interfaces and interested in helping improve tool usability.

• Laser focus & patience: You possess a high level of attention to detail and enjoy deep-focus work.

• Strong communication skills: You are able to describe annotation methods verbally and in writing, and provide clear feedback on tools and annotation methodology.

• Enthusiasm: Data annotation can be repetitive, and it requires a high degree of concentration. This role is well-suited for someone who enjoys repetitive work and listening to different animal sounds

ESP is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, and criminal history, consistent with legal requirements. We encourage folks of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply.

There will be 3 stages to the interview - an initial screening, a first interview with our researchers and a final stage, technical assessment. If interested, please apply by Aug 15, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.