Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellows, a Program of Schmidt Sciences (Research Associate)

About the role

Applications are invited for prestigious Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowships, a program of Schmidt Sciences, commencing 01 September 2027, with a duration of 2 years. The fellowship MUST start on or before 01 September 2027 as the grant funding ends on 31 August 2029.

What you would be doing

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.

This post is 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.

What we are looking for

Candidates will:

• Hold, or be near completion of, 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.

What we can offer you

You 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.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant.

If you have any queries about this opportunity, please contact Eileen Boyce at e.boyce@imperial.ac.uk.

Further information about the I-X Centre for AI in Science can be found at AI in Science Fellowships | Research groups | Imperial College London which includes an introductory video.

If candidates want to also be considered at the Research Fellow level, then they need to send in an additional application for that role (the documents submitted can be repeated).