Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellows, a program of Schmidt Sciences (Research Fellow) Job Type: Full-Time.
Applications are invited for prestigious Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowships, a program of Schmidt Sciences, commencing 1 September 2026. The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Ai in Science Fellows will produce independent and original research, using AI to advance science within their host department and the I-X Centre for AI in Science. These fellowships have the aim of identifying excellent researchers and accelerating them in using AI to advance and disrupt Science or Engineering. Here 'AI' is interpreted very broadly, e.g.: topics in Bayesian Inference and Robotics; 'Science' covers any typical topic in Natural Science and Engineering (Epidemiology, Biology and basic science in biomedicine are included but clinical medical themes are not covered, including conventional medical imaging). machine learning for single cell data; physics-based ML for turbine design and astrostatistics. These posts are not suitable for generic AI research with general application: candidates must be aiming to substantially advance a particular area of science. Applicants could view themselves as AI researchers tackling particular pieces of science or science researchers using AI to transform their area. Extensive AI knowledge is not required, and AI training is offered.
Hold a PhD (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline.
Have the potential for leadership qualities in the subject, as illustrated, for example, through showing initiative on research projects.
Have an outstanding research record commensurate with their level of experience as demonstrated, for example, through an outstanding thesis, publications, conference presentations, code etc.
Have a proposal which is within the AI in Science research remit and skills which fit the cohort of AI in Science fellows.
Be expected to have several years of experience post-PhD (in research or AI-based industry) and experience supervising team members.
Fellows will join the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Network of researchers and will join a unique co-located cohort of top scholars based in the I-X Centre for AI in Science with tailored training and one-on-one career development. The fellowships are flexible and independent, allowing recipients to freely explore while drawing on expert faculty mentors of their choice.
We have a programme of additional support for women in AI in Science including additional funds for their career development and a community of I-X AI in Science women. The I-X Women in Artificial Intelligence (IXWAI ) founded by two of our current Fellows aims to enhance representation of women in AI and foster an environment where they are valued, supported and inspired to achieve their full potential. This is a full time, fixed term position for 2 years. Further information about the I-X Centre for AI in Science can be found at which includes an introductory video.
If candidates want to also be considered at the Research Associate level, then they need to send in an additional application for that role (the documents submitted can be repeated).
Applicants interested in 4-year roles should apply for the Imperial College Research Fellowships, supported by Schmidt Sciences - application details can be found here .
Other Schmidt Sciences Fellowship roles, at both Research Associate and Research Fellow level can be found here
We have partnered with the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and the CNRS. Please indicate if this is a joint fellowship by ticking the appropriate ICR/CNRS tick box in the online application form. In addition to completing the online application, candidates should, after carefully consulting the Job Description, FAQ and related documents , upload the following documents:
~ Publication Elaboration: a 1 page, or less, note outlining the contribution of up to three papers by the applicant suitable for a general scientific reader.
Research Proposal Summary: a 1 page or less, summary of the proposed research suitable for a general scientific audience. It should answer the question of why/how this application of AI will be transformative for the target area of science. It is not essential that the mentor be a very close fit to the proposed research, entirely independent research efforts are welcomed, but a collaborative mentorship is likely to make the science more credible.
Research Proposal: a 3 pages or less proposal that explains why and how the proposed research could be transformative for a particular area of science. It can be assumed that the reader will first read the Summary and so content need not be repeated.
Training Plan: a 1⁄2 page or less plan, identifying any particular skills that need to be acquired for the proposed research to succeed. Training is a key part of the proposed fellowship, whether helping an AI expert master a scientific topic or a scientific topic expert advance their AI skills. Deep expertise in AI (or the particular Science area) is not a pre-requisite: the minimum level of AI/Science experience is that needed to credibly articulate a plan for how AI will advance Science.
Fit to AI in Science Remit: a 1⁄4 page or less outline of how your proposal fits within the AI in Science remit - please check your proposal's fit here .
The fellows will join a cohort of fellows in AI for Science with opportunities for outreach and LMIC engagement.
Mobility Statement (for applicants currently at Imperial only): Schmidt Sciences seeks to enable national and international mobility: candidates from outside Imperial are particularly encouraged to apply.
