Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellows at The University of Chicago at The University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

Description



The AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellow 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 a remarkable opportunity and a profound challenge to human-centered modes of inquiry, including not only data analysis, but also the design of experiments, the formulation of new hypotheses, and the revelation of natural laws. Given the cross-disciplinary nature of AI research in science, Fellows will be offered freedom and independence in pursuing their AI-related research, including the flexibility to change or expand their research focus and to work with multiple research groups while at the University.


This unique program is part of a vibrant and growing AI and science community that includes departments across the UChicago campus as well as Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, and the Marine Biological Laboratory.


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 engaging in joint training and research activities. Fellows will receive the training in AI methods necessary for conducting their research. Drawing on the University's top-ranked programs, world-renowned faculty, and vibrant data science ecosystem, this program will allow postdoctoral fellows to engage in field-defining research. Fellows will receive a competitive salary and benefits, generous research funding and travel allowances, and the opportunity to collaborate with partners worldwide. Fellows will be appointed as Research Scientists in the University's system of record and are afforded PI status for grant applications.


This is a two-year position with an opportunity to renew for a third year (see below). The start date will be negotiated for a date in 2025. Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2024 and will continue until all positions are filled.


For questions about this application, please contact schmidtaiscience@uchicago.edu.



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 2020.



Application Instructions



Application review for these positions will begin on November 1, 2024, and continue until positions are filled. Applications must be submitted online through the University of Chicago Jobs website: http://apply.interfolio.com/156348.


The following materials are required:

• Cover letter indicating the candidate's potential mentor(s) at the University, 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 their past and planned research contributions in the natural sciences and engineering, a proposal for exploring AI's potential role in their research, evidence of the candidate's preparedness for our training program, and evidence of independence and engagement in activities (e.g., research, seminars, coursework) 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 they are selected. The Schmidt program provides two years of support for Fellows. The mentor must commit to supporting the third year in their letter, contingent on the availability of funds and continued alignment of Fellow research interests with the mentor's research. The mentor should also commit to providing support of $10,000/year (for all three years) in research funds.