The MOVE Program is a new initiative from Handshake that offers highly skilled students, graduates, and researchers paid, part-time opportunities to contribute to the training and evaluation of large language models (LLMs).
While MOVE is a distinct initiative within Handshake, it is fully supported by our platform, infrastructure, and commitment to student protections.
What is the MOVE Program?
The MOVE Program connects selected candidates, known as Fellows—with remote, part-time AI research roles. These roles involve working with leading AI companies on projects related to training and evaluating LLMs (Large Language Models).
Typical responsibilities include:
- Creating prompts in the Fellow’s field of expertise
- Evaluating or comparing AI-generated responses
- Correcting and improving content with academic citations
Fellows are contracted and paid directly by Handshake, not the partnering AI lab.
To learn more about the MOVE Program, check out our website: joinhandshake.com/move-program
What qualifications are required?
Most roles require graduate-level expertise (Master’s, PhD, or Postdoc). In some cases, individuals without a formal degree but with demonstrated subject-matter expertise may be considered. Candidates are selected based on their academic background and domain knowledge.
What is the employment type?
- Part-time, remote, and asynchronous
- Fellows set their own schedules (typically 5 - 20 hrs/week)
- Projects vary in length from 2 weeks to 3+ months
- All Fellows are hired as 1099 independent contractors
This setup supports participation by international graduate students, where visa conditions permit.
Is Handshake monetizing or exploiting the student talent?
No. The MOVE program is designed to provide students with fair, paid opportunities in an emerging field, prioritizing transparency, academic alignment, and flexibility.
We are committed to being students-first. Here’s how we are keeping this at our forefront:
- Hourly rates are $50–$125, based on education level and expertise
- All compensation is transparent before project acceptance
- Students are hired for their domain-specific expertise
- Participation is fully opt-in and flexible
- All project content is vetted and reviewed internally for quality and appropriateness
How does one apply?
Jobs are listed both on:
- The MOVE Program website
- Handshake, under the MOVE Program @ Handshake employer profile
We encourage you to promote these roles to students at your institution!
Note: The MOVE Program’s Handshake employer account follows the same rules for relevancy, messaging limits, and outreach that apply to all employers.
Additional FAQs
Will Fellows be exposed to sensitive or explicit content?
No. Handshake does not engage in projects involving vulgar, violent, or sexually explicit material. Students are only hired to contribute based on their subject-matter knowledge.
Are there ethical considerations?
MOVE Fellows play a key role in:
- Identifying inaccuracies and bias in model outputs
- Validating information with trusted, academic sources
- Supporting the development of accurate, inclusive, and responsible AI
We believe ethical AI starts with ethical training and diverse academic voices.
What safeguards are in place?
- Every project is internally reviewed before launch
- Tasks are regularly monitored for clarity, fairness, and accuracy
- Contributors come from a wide range of institutions and backgrounds, helping to reduce bias in training and feedback
Who are the AI labs you're partnering with?
While we can’t share names due to confidentiality agreements, we are working with leading labs focused on building general-purpose LLMs.
How long has Handshake been doing this?
The MOVE Program is a new initiative launched in response to rising demand for academic expertise in AI training. While still small compared to our core business, we believe this is a meaningful way to offer students valuable real-world experience.
Is this a long-term focus for Handshake?
We’re still in the early stages. While our long-term direction will evolve, we’re still relying on feedback from Fellows and schools.
Can schools get data on applications and student outcomes?
Yes! If you're an EDU partner and would like a breakdown of applicants or active fellows from your institution, please contact us—we’re happy to provide this information with you.