Data Science Institute Postdoctoral Scholars Program

Applications open on September 23, 2026. Review of applications will begin on November 16, 2026 and will continue until all positions are filled.

For up to three years, renewed annually

On or around August 1, 2027

$83,000/year with benefits, annual travel and research funds available

If you have questions about the program or would like to discuss this opportunity, please contact data-science.

The Data Science Institute (DSI) at the University of Chicago invites applications for Postdoctoral Scholars who wish to advance cutting-edge AI and data science theory, methods, systems and applications in research. The DSI executes the University of Chicago’s bold, innovative vision of Data Science and AI as a new discipline by advancing foundational and interdisciplinary research, developing partnerships with industry, government, and social impact organizations, and implementing a holistic approach to data science education.

The DSI is part of a vibrant and growing data science community which includes departments across campus as well as the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, and Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago (TTIC). These on-campus partnerships enable and encourage unique interdisciplinary research partnerships, reducing early-stage friction to hasten meaningful relationships and high-impact research.

This unique program provides postdocs with the opportunity to pursue original research on significant questions in data science. Drawing on the University of Chicago’s top-ranked programs, world-renowned faculty, as well as a vibrant and quickly expanding data science ecosystem, this program allows postdoctoral scholars to engage in field-defining data science and artificial intelligence research. Our positions carry a competitive salary, generous research funding allowances, and benefits.

It is equally important that our postdocs work and grow in an environment that is supportive and focused on community and career development; as such, this program includes lectures focused on communication and workplace culture, and aims to develop a diverse cohort of well-rounded scholars pursuing careers across data science disciplines.

Postdocs may (but do not need to) choose to express interest in working on one of the DSI’s five research initiatives, AI+Science, Data & Democracy, AI for Climate, Data Ecology, and Novel Intelligence.

• Mentorship:
  Mentors will provide ongoing research and career guidance through regular meetings, as well as opportunities to promote the scholar’s accomplishments in public forums. Scholars have the option to receive mentorship from a single faculty member or joint mentorship from a data science researcher and a domain expert.
• Unique Datasets:
  Scholars will have privileged, unique access to large-scale datasets from a variety of sectors.
• Cohort Program:
  The program will host activities where scholars can connect with members of their cohort, share knowledge, and gain insight through guest lectures, industry speakers, and other activities. Scholars will have autonomy and resources to select, host, and invite speakers, with support from DSI administrative staff.
• Outreach and Impact:
  Scholars will have considerable opportunities to establish new relationships and translate their research into real-world impact by leveraging our network of academic, civic, government, and industry connections.
• Academia/Industry Ready:
  Experience gained during the program will help scholars prepare for diverse career paths, from tenure-track academic…