Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellows, program of Schmidt Sciences; Research Fellow

Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellows, a program of Schmidt Sciences (Research Fellow)

Applications are invited for prestigious Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowships, a program of Schmidt Sciences, commencing 1 September 2027. There are up to 6 positions available, with a duration of 2 years. The fellowship must start on or before 1 September 2027 as the grant funding ends on 31 August 2029.

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). Examples include Bayesian optimization for molecular or materials design; 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 as discussed by one of our alumni here.

Candidates will:

• 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.

We have partnered with the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and the CNRS. If you are applying for one of these joint fellowships, we require that the principal mentor be in Imperial, but a secondary supervisor must be at ICR/CNRS. Please indicate if this is a joint fellowship by ticking the appropriate ICR/CNRS tick box in the online application form. Please note that these applications will require an institutional letter of support and ICR and CNRS will have their own internal process with a deadline ahead of the closing date below.

ICR deadline will be Monday 29th June at 9am
. You must contact Becky Cook () at ICR and Carl Iamov (carl.ialamov) and/or Louis Avigdor ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) at CNRS to confirm these internal processes and deadlines.

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 a coaching circle for women in AI, 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.

We expect to appoint at least one candidate through this route.

This is a full time, fixed‑term position for 2 years. You will be based at White City Campus.

Links to other opportunities can be found here. If…