Application Information

Now accepting applications for Cohort 5

The Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship Program at the University of Chicago is seeking the next cohort of scholars who aim to advance and accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the natural sciences. The Fellowship has an anticipated start date on or around September 1, 2026 and is for an initial two-year appointment (9/1/2026 – 8/31/2028) with the possibility to renew for a third year. Application review will begin on October 13, 2025, and will continue until positions are filled.

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

Applications must be submitted through the University of Chicago jobs website at this link: https://apply.interfolio.com/173322

Before applying, prospective Fellows must obtain the sponsorship of a faculty member at the University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, or the Marine Biological Laboratory who is willing to serve as their primary mentor. Applications without a letter of support from the prospective mentor will not be considered. The Schmidt Fellowship program cannot assist with finding prospective mentors.

Application Materials

The following materials are required to be submitted via the application link before October 12, 2025. Application review will begin on October 13, 2025. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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 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 nomination 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, with the potential for a third year, contingent on progress and the continued alignment of Fellow research interests with the mentor’s research. In the confidential letter, the mentor must commit to providing 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is the application due?

Applications should be submitted via the application link before October 12, 2025. Application review will begin on October 13, 2025. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Do you need a doctoral degree to qualify?

Yes. 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.

Are international applicatants eligible to apply?

Yes. International applicants are eligible to apply.

Do you need to contact faculty mentors before applying?

Yes. Prior to applying, prospective Fellows must obtain the sponsorship of a faculty member at the University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, or the Marine Biological Laboratory who is willing to serve as their primary mentor. Applications without a letter of support from the prospective mentor will not be considered.

My letter writer has not received a link to upload a confidential letter. How can they upload a letter?

You can ask your letter writers to submit confidential letters to schmidtaiscience@uchicago.edu

What does the Schmidt Fellowship Program pay for?

Fellows receive a competitive salary plus benefits. Fellows also receive an annual travel stipend, as well as other opportunities for sponsored travel to Schmidt Sciences events and select workshops/conferences.

What do the mentors pay for?

Primary research mentors provide $10,000 per year in funding for research support. Additionally, they provide research space, lab facilities, computers, computing resources, data access and other necessary research related costs.

Are there any additional funding opportunities?

Fellows will be afforded PI status, allowing them to apply for external grants and funding. Additionally, the Fellowship provides annual opportunities to apply for seed funding for collaborative projects.