Physics World
Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship at the University of Chicago
Physics World, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship at the University of Chicago
Open Date: Sep 10, 2025
Location: Chicago, IL
Base pay range: $10,000.00/yr - $87,418.00/yr
Position Description The Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship Program at the University of Chicago is seeking scholars who seek to advance and accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the natural sciences. The rise of AI in science and engineering presents both opportunities and challenges to human-centered inquiry, including data analysis, design of experiments, formulation of new hypotheses, and the revelation of natural laws. Fellows will have freedom and independence in pursuing their AI-related research, including flexibility to change or expand their research focus and to work with multiple research groups at the University.
This program is part of a vibrant AI and science community that includes departments across the UChicago campus as well as Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, the Marine Biological Laboratory, and the Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago (TTIC). These partnerships enable interdisciplinary research partnerships that leverage the unique capabilities and expertise of these laboratories.
Fellows will have the opportunity to pursue original research on significant questions in AI and science. They will form a cohort of top scholars across the natural sciences and engineering who engage in joint training and research activities. Fellows will receive training in AI methods necessary for their research and will engage with field-defining research through the University’s programs, faculty, and data science ecosystem. The program emphasizes community, career development, and leadership, including lectures on communication and professional development and a diverse cohort pursuing careers across AI in science research. Fellows may direct many of the program’s activities to build leadership skills and align activities with their needs and interests.
Fellows will receive a competitive salary and benefits, generous research funding and travel allowances, and opportunities to collaborate with partners worldwide. Fellows will be appointed as Research Scientists in the University’s system and are afforded PI status for grant applications. This is a two-year appointment with the possibility of renewal for a third year. The anticipated start date is on or around September 1, 2026. This position is benefits-eligible.
Qualifications Fellows must hold a doctoral degree in the natural sciences, engineering, or a related field completed before the start of their fellowship and earned no earlier than 2021.
Application Instructions Application review for these positions will begin on October 13, 2025, and will continue until positions are filled. Applications must be submitted online through the University of Chicago Jobs website. The following materials are required:
Cover letter indicating the candidate’s potential mentor(s) at the University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, or the Marine Biological Laboratory, and briefly describing the candidate’s area of research.
2-3 page research statement describing the significance and impact of past and planned research contributions, a proposal for exploring AI’s potential role in their research, evidence of preparedness for the training program, and evidence of independence across disciplinary boundaries.
CV including publications and other research artifacts (e.g., publicly available software).
Three confidential letters of recommendation.
An additional confidential brief letter from prospective mentor(s) agreeing to sponsor the applicant if selected, committing to providing support of $10,000 per year (for two, potentially three years) in research funds.
Contact: schmidtaiscience@uchicago.edu
Equal Employment Opportunity The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes. For more information see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities can be arranged by calling 773-834-3988 or emailing equalopportunity@uchicago.edu.
Seniority level: Internship
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Other
Industries: Book and Periodical Publishing
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Location: Chicago, IL
Base pay range: $10,000.00/yr - $87,418.00/yr
Position Description The Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship Program at the University of Chicago is seeking scholars who seek to advance and accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the natural sciences. The rise of AI in science and engineering presents both opportunities and challenges to human-centered inquiry, including data analysis, design of experiments, formulation of new hypotheses, and the revelation of natural laws. Fellows will have freedom and independence in pursuing their AI-related research, including flexibility to change or expand their research focus and to work with multiple research groups at the University.
This program is part of a vibrant AI and science community that includes departments across the UChicago campus as well as Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, the Marine Biological Laboratory, and the Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago (TTIC). These partnerships enable interdisciplinary research partnerships that leverage the unique capabilities and expertise of these laboratories.
Fellows will have the opportunity to pursue original research on significant questions in AI and science. They will form a cohort of top scholars across the natural sciences and engineering who engage in joint training and research activities. Fellows will receive training in AI methods necessary for their research and will engage with field-defining research through the University’s programs, faculty, and data science ecosystem. The program emphasizes community, career development, and leadership, including lectures on communication and professional development and a diverse cohort pursuing careers across AI in science research. Fellows may direct many of the program’s activities to build leadership skills and align activities with their needs and interests.
Fellows will receive a competitive salary and benefits, generous research funding and travel allowances, and opportunities to collaborate with partners worldwide. Fellows will be appointed as Research Scientists in the University’s system and are afforded PI status for grant applications. This is a two-year appointment with the possibility of renewal for a third year. The anticipated start date is on or around September 1, 2026. This position is benefits-eligible.
Qualifications Fellows must hold a doctoral degree in the natural sciences, engineering, or a related field completed before the start of their fellowship and earned no earlier than 2021.
Application Instructions Application review for these positions will begin on October 13, 2025, and will continue until positions are filled. Applications must be submitted online through the University of Chicago Jobs website. The following materials are required:
Cover letter indicating the candidate’s potential mentor(s) at the University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, or the Marine Biological Laboratory, and briefly describing the candidate’s area of research.
2-3 page research statement describing the significance and impact of past and planned research contributions, a proposal for exploring AI’s potential role in their research, evidence of preparedness for the training program, and evidence of independence across disciplinary boundaries.
CV including publications and other research artifacts (e.g., publicly available software).
Three confidential letters of recommendation.
An additional confidential brief letter from prospective mentor(s) agreeing to sponsor the applicant if selected, committing to providing support of $10,000 per year (for two, potentially three years) in research funds.
Contact: schmidtaiscience@uchicago.edu
Equal Employment Opportunity The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes. For more information see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities can be arranged by calling 773-834-3988 or emailing equalopportunity@uchicago.edu.
Seniority level: Internship
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Other
Industries: Book and Periodical Publishing
#J-18808-Ljbffr