Society for Neuroscience
Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship at the University of Chicago
Society for Neuroscience, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Overview
Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship Program at the University of Chicago offers opportunities to advance and accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the natural sciences. The rise of AI in science and engineering presents opportunities and challenges to human-centered inquiry, including data analysis, experimental design, hypothesis formulation, and the discovery of natural laws. Fellows will have freedom and independence in pursuing AI-related research, including the flexibility to change or expand research focus and to work with multiple research groups at the University of Chicago.
This program is part of a vibrant AI and science community that includes departments across the University, 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.
Description Fellows will have the opportunity to pursue original research on significant questions in AI and science. They 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 conducting their research. Drawing on the University’s top-ranked programs, world-renowned faculty, and a vibrant data science ecosystem, this program enables fellows to engage in field-defining research. The program also emphasizes a supportive environment focused on community and career development, including lectures on communication and professional development, and aims to develop 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.
This position is benefits-eligible. Fellows will be appointed as Research Scientists in the University’s system of record and are afforded PI status for grant applications. The program is a two-year appointment with the possibility of renewing for a third year. The anticipated start date is on or around
September 1, 2026 .
For detailed information about benefits, see the University benefits guide.
Qualifications Fellows must hold a doctoral degree in the natural sciences, engineering, or a related field completed before the start of the 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.
A 2-3 page (excluding references) research statement describing the candidate's research contributions, highlighting the significance and potential impact of past and planned research contributions in the natural sciences and engineering, a proposal for exploring AI's potential role in their research, evidence of preparedness for the training program, and evidence of independence and engagement in activities that span traditional disciplinary boundaries.
Candidate's CV, including a list of publications and other research artifacts (e.g., publicly available software).
Three confidential letters of recommendation.
An additional confidential brief letter from the prospective mentor(s) agreeing to sponsor the applicant if selected, including a commitment to provide support of $10,000 per year (for two, potentially three years) in research funds.
Contact For questions about this application, please 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, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
This program is part of a vibrant AI and science community that includes departments across the University, 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.
Description Fellows will have the opportunity to pursue original research on significant questions in AI and science. They 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 conducting their research. Drawing on the University’s top-ranked programs, world-renowned faculty, and a vibrant data science ecosystem, this program enables fellows to engage in field-defining research. The program also emphasizes a supportive environment focused on community and career development, including lectures on communication and professional development, and aims to develop 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.
This position is benefits-eligible. Fellows will be appointed as Research Scientists in the University’s system of record and are afforded PI status for grant applications. The program is a two-year appointment with the possibility of renewing for a third year. The anticipated start date is on or around
September 1, 2026 .
For detailed information about benefits, see the University benefits guide.
Qualifications Fellows must hold a doctoral degree in the natural sciences, engineering, or a related field completed before the start of the 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.
A 2-3 page (excluding references) research statement describing the candidate's research contributions, highlighting the significance and potential impact of past and planned research contributions in the natural sciences and engineering, a proposal for exploring AI's potential role in their research, evidence of preparedness for the training program, and evidence of independence and engagement in activities that span traditional disciplinary boundaries.
Candidate's CV, including a list of publications and other research artifacts (e.g., publicly available software).
Three confidential letters of recommendation.
An additional confidential brief letter from the prospective mentor(s) agreeing to sponsor the applicant if selected, including a commitment to provide support of $10,000 per year (for two, potentially three years) in research funds.
Contact For questions about this application, please 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, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.
#J-18808-Ljbffr