The rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping how scientists ask questions, design experiments, generate hypotheses, and uncover the fundamental laws of nature. Yet the most transformative advances will not come from AI tools alone. They will come from researchers who possess deep domain expertise in the natural sciences and engineering and who can thoughtfully integrate AI methods into rigorous, human-centered inquiry.
The Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship at the University of Chicago was created to develop exactly these leaders. This highly selective postdoctoral program, part of the Schmidt Sciences initiative, gives early-career scholars the freedom, training, resources, and community they need to accelerate the responsible adoption of AI across the physical sciences, biological sciences, and engineering.
If you are a recent PhD graduate who wants to push the boundaries of what AI can achieve in scientific discovery, this fellowship offers one of the most compelling platforms available in 2026.
Summary
- Company: University of Chicago
- Job Title: Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship
- Job Type: Full Time
- Qualification: PhD
- Location: USA
What Makes the Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship Unique
Unlike traditional postdoctoral positions that tie researchers tightly to a single lab or narrow project, the Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship at UChicago emphasizes independence and intellectual breadth. Fellows receive significant freedom to pursue original research on important questions at the intersection of AI and science. They can change or expand their research focus and collaborate with multiple research groups during their appointment.
The program deliberately builds a cohort of top scholars from across the natural sciences and engineering. Fellows participate in joint training activities, research seminars, and professional development opportunities focused on communication, leadership, and career growth. Many program activities are fellow-directed, giving participants real leadership experience while ensuring the community remains responsive to their needs and interests.
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A defining strength of the University of Chicago program is its deep integration with premier national laboratories and research institutions. Fellows gain access to Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, the Marine Biological Laboratory, and the Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago (TTIC). These partnerships open doors to world-class computing resources, unique experimental facilities, and interdisciplinary expertise that few other postdoctoral programs can match.
Fellows are appointed as Research Scientists in the University’s system of record and receive Principal Investigator (PI) status. This designation allows them to apply for grants independently, an important advantage for building a strong research profile early in their careers.
Compensation, Duration, and Support
The fellowship provides a competitive annual salary of $87,418. The position is benefits-eligible, with detailed information available through the University of Chicago Human Resources benefits portal.
Appointments are for two years, with the possibility of renewal for a third year contingent on progress and continued alignment with the mentor’s research. The anticipated start date is on or around September 1, 2026. In addition to salary and benefits, fellows receive research support, including a commitment of at least $10,000 per year in research funds from their mentor, along with opportunities for travel and collaboration.
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Who Should Apply
The program seeks scholars who hold a doctoral degree in the natural sciences, engineering, or a closely related field. The PhD must be completed before the fellowship start date and earned no earlier than 2021. Ideal candidates are researchers who:
- Demonstrate strong research contributions in their scientific domain
- Show genuine interest in exploring how AI methods can advance their field
- Exhibit independence and a track record of crossing traditional disciplinary boundaries
- Are excited by the prospect of joining a collaborative, interdisciplinary cohort
The fellowship is particularly well-suited for scientists who want more than a conventional postdoc. It rewards intellectual curiosity, creativity in applying AI, and the ability to work across fields.
The University of Chicago Advantage
UChicago’s vibrant data science ecosystem, anchored by the Data Science Institute, provides fellows with access to top-ranked programs, world-renowned faculty, and cutting-edge computational infrastructure. The university’s distinctive culture of rigorous, theory-driven inquiry complements the practical power of modern AI tools.
Fellows benefit from a supportive environment explicitly designed to foster both scientific excellence and professional development. The program includes dedicated training in AI methods, lectures on communication and career skills, and structured opportunities to build leadership capabilities.
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How to Apply for the Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship
Applications must be submitted online through the University of Chicago’s Interfolio portal. Application review began on October 13, 2025, and will continue until all positions are filled. Because the program is highly competitive and cohort size is limited, prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Required application materials include:
- A cover letter that identifies potential mentor(s) at the University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, or the Marine Biological Laboratory and briefly describes your research area
- A 2–3 page research statement (excluding references) that outlines your past contributions, the significance and potential impact of your work, a clear proposal for how AI can advance your research, evidence of your preparedness for the program’s training components, and examples of your engagement in interdisciplinary activities
- Your current CV, including publications and other research artifacts such as publicly available software
- Three confidential letters of recommendation
- An additional confidential letter from your prospective mentor(s) confirming their willingness to sponsor you if selected and committing to provide at least $10,000 per year in research support for the duration of the fellowship
Identifying and securing a committed mentor is one of the most important steps in the application process. Prospective applicants should reach out early to UChicago faculty and scientists at partner laboratories whose research interests align with their own and who are open to integrating AI methods into their work.
Practical Tips for a Strong Application
Craft a research statement that tells a clear story. Reviewers want to understand not only what you have accomplished but also how you envision AI transforming your specific scientific questions. Be specific about methods you hope to learn or develop and why the University of Chicago environment, with its particular resources and partnerships, is the right place to pursue this work.
Demonstrate independence. Highlight instances where you have initiated projects, led collaborations, or worked across disciplinary lines. The program values scholars who can drive their own research agendas.
Secure strong, detailed recommendation letters. Choose referees who can speak directly to your scientific promise, your ability to work independently, and your potential to contribute to an interdisciplinary cohort.
Prepare your mentor letter thoughtfully. The mentor commitment letter is a required and critical component. Approach potential mentors with a clear, concise description of your proposed research direction and why their group and the broader UChicago ecosystem would be an excellent fit.
Why This Opportunity Matters Now
The window to shape how AI is adopted in the natural sciences is open but will not remain so indefinitely. Researchers who develop deep expertise at this intersection today will be positioned to lead major discoveries, influence research directions, and train the next generation of scientists.
The Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship at the University of Chicago provides the resources, freedom, training, and community to do exactly that. With its combination of intellectual independence, cohort experience, access to exceptional laboratories, PI status, and competitive compensation, the program stands out as one of the most attractive postdoctoral opportunities for scientists serious about advancing AI in their disciplines.
Applications are currently under review and will continue until positions are filled. If you are a recent PhD graduate in the natural sciences or engineering who is ready to help define the future of AI-enabled discovery, this is an opportunity worth pursuing without delay.
Ready to apply? Submit your complete application through the official Interfolio portal: https://apply.interfolio.com/173322
For complete program details and additional resources, visit the official Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship website: https://aiscience.uchicago.edu/
Questions about the application may be directed to schmidtaiscience@uchicago.edu.
Take the next step toward leading AI-driven scientific breakthroughs. The future of discovery needs researchers like you.