Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 Open
If you’re an early-career researcher passionate about applying artificial intelligence (AI) to solve big questions in science and engineering, the Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 is an opportunity you should not miss. This prestigious fellowship supports researchers who want to combine AI methodologies with groundbreaking scientific research.
AI here is defined broadly—it covers machine learning, robotics, Bayesian inference, and simulation. The fellowship invites applicants working in the following domains:
- Biological and biomedical science (excluding direct work on diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases; the focus must be on basic biological processes or disease mechanisms).
- Earth and environmental science
- Engineering
- Physical science and mathematics
Why Apply?
This fellowship offers more than just financial support. It provides a two-year immersive research experience at the University of Michigan’s MIDAS (Michigan Institute for Data Science). Fellows will:
- Work under the guidance of two faculty mentors (one AI Mentor and one Science Mentor).
- Join an interdisciplinary community of scientists and engineers.
- Contribute to program activities and build professional service experience.
- Gain access to resources, networks, and mentorship that can launch a strong independent research career.
Who Can Apply?
You are eligible if you:
- Have a PhD conferred after Sept 1, 2021, but before the fellowship start date (Aug/Sept 2026).
- Hold a PhD in any discipline (the proposed research must align with science/engineering domains listed above).
- Have deep expertise in AI or your scientific domain—with strong interest in the other.
- Have not held a tenure-track faculty position.
- Can secure two U-M faculty mentors (one AI and one science expert) to guide your project.
Note: Internal U-M candidates are eligible only if their project and mentors differ from their current ones.
Program Expectations
Fellows are expected to:
- Spend 50% of their time in person at MIDAS postdoctoral offices in Ann Arbor.
- Dedicate ~10% of their time to service activities like collaboration coordination, tool development, and training.
- Actively participate in collaborative learning and research events.
Faculty mentors commit to covering research-related costs such as lab access, computing resources, travel to at least two conferences per year, publication fees, and visa costs.
Application Timeline
The application process for the Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 follows a structured schedule. The priority application deadline is November 30, 2025 (11:59 pm EST), and candidates who apply by this date will receive full consideration. Offer notifications will begin in February 2026, giving selected fellows ample time to prepare.
The official start date for the fellowship is set for August or September 2026, with some flexibility for special cases. Applicants should also note that late applications may still be reviewed until all slots are filled, so early submission is strongly encouraged to maximize your chances.
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