Applications are invited for prestigious Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowships, a program of Schmidt Sciences, commencing 1 September 2026. There are up to 8 positions available, with a duration of 2 years.
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, .: 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.
Candidates will:
1. Hold a PhD (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline.
2. Have the potential for leadership qualities in the subject, as illustrated, for example, through showing initiative on research projects.
3. Have an outstanding research record commensurate with their level of experience as demonstrated, for example, through an outstanding thesis, publications, conference presentations, code etc.
4. Have a proposal which is within the AI in Science research remit and skills which fit the cohort of AI in Science fellows.
5. 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 () 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. 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 .
Other Schmidt Sciences Fellowship roles, at both Research Associate and Research Fellow level can be found
Joint Fellowships