At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research using AI to transform science and engineering.
- Company: Join Schmidt Sciences at Imperial College, a leader in AI research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, tailored training, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible roles with a supportive community for women in AI.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in science with innovative AI applications.
- Qualifications: PhD required; leadership potential and strong research record essential.
The predicted salary is between 62433 - 62433 € per year.
Applications are invited for prestigious Chapman Schmidt AI in Science Fellowships, a program of Schmidt Sciences, commencing 01 September 2027. There are up to 2 positions available, 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.
The Chapman Schmidt AI in Science Fellows will produce independent and original research, using AI to advance science, within the Maths Department and the I-X Centre for AI in Science. These fellowships aim to identify excellent researchers and accelerate 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.
These posts are 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.
What we are looking for:
- Hold 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.
- Be expected to have several years of experience post-PhD (in research or AI-based industry) and experience supervising team members.
We have partnered with the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and the CNRS. If you are applying for one of these joint fellowships, we require that the principal mentor be in Imperial, but a secondary supervisor must be at ICR/CNRS. Please indicate if this is a joint fellowship by ticking the appropriate ICR/CNRS tick box in the online application form. Please note that these applications will require an institutional letter of support and ICR and CNRS will have their own internal process with a deadline ahead of the closing date below. The ICR deadline will be Monday 29 June at 9am.
Fellows 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 alumni 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.
This is a full time, fixed term position for 2 years. You will be based at White City Campus and will have a primary mentor in the Maths Department.
If you have any queries about this opportunity, please contact Eileen Boyce.
In addition to completing the online application, candidates should upload the following documents:
- A full CV including publications.
- An additional single file with: Publication Elaboration: a 1 page, or less, note outlining the contribution of up to three papers by the applicant suitable for a general scientific reader.
- Research Proposal Summary: a 1 page or less, summary of the proposed research suitable for a general scientific audience. Particular attention will be paid to this summary. It should answer the question of why/how this application of AI will be transformative for the target area of science.
- Research Proposal: a 3 pages or less proposal that explains why and how the proposed research could be transformative for a particular area of science.
- Training Plan: a page or less plan, identifying any particular skills that need to be acquired for the proposed research to succeed.
- Fit to AI in Science Remit: a page or less outline of how your proposal fits within the AI in Science remit.
- Kindness Statement: a page or less outline of your view on the need for kindness among scientists.
- Mobility Statement (for applicants currently at Imperial only): candidates from outside Imperial are particularly encouraged to apply.
Chapman-Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellows, a program of Schmidt Sciences (Research Fellow) - London employer: What Jobs
Schmidt Sciences offers an exceptional work environment for the Chapman-Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellows, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration at the cutting-edge I-X Centre for AI in Science in London. With tailored training, one-on-one career development, and a strong commitment to supporting underrepresented groups in AI, employees are empowered to explore transformative research while benefiting from a vibrant community of top scholars. The flexible fellowship structure encourages independent thought and leadership, making it an ideal opportunity for those looking to make a significant impact in their field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chapman-Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellows, a program of Schmidt Sciences (Research Fellow) - London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former fellows and mentors in the AI in Science field. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions and showcasing your research proposal. Make sure you can clearly explain how your work will transform science using AI.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After interviews, send a thank-you email expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It shows professionalism and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the resources you need to ace your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Chapman-Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellows, a program of Schmidt Sciences (Research Fellow) - London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. It’s packed with info on what they’re looking for, and it’ll help you tailor your application to hit all the right notes.
Craft a Compelling Research Proposal:Your research proposal is your chance to shine! Make sure it clearly outlines how your work will be transformative in the field of AI in Science. Keep it concise but impactful, and don’t forget to mention your primary mentor!
Show Off Your Achievements:When listing your publications and achievements, be specific! Highlight your standout contributions and make sure to explain their significance in a way that’s easy for anyone to understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure everything gets to the right place, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table.
How to prepare for a job interview at What Jobs
✨Know Your Research Proposal Inside Out
Make sure you can discuss your research proposal in detail. Be prepared to explain how your work will advance a specific area of science using AI. Practise summarising your proposal in simple terms, as you might need to communicate complex ideas to those who aren't specialists in your field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Potential
Highlight any previous experiences where you've taken the lead on research projects or mentored others. This is crucial for demonstrating your potential for leadership qualities, which is something they are specifically looking for in candidates.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the I-X Centre
Research the I-X Centre for AI in Science and understand its mission and current projects. Being able to discuss how your work aligns with their goals will show that you're genuinely interested and invested in the fellowship.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a list of insightful questions ready to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about collaboration opportunities, mentorship styles, or the support available for women in AI. It shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the fellowship is the right fit for you.
