The Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (Part of Schmidt Futures) at Oxford is part of a new international initiative to drive innovative use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in STEM research (engineering, and the natural and mathematical sciences). Oxford will host c.55 postdoctoral fellows (totalling 110 years of research) over six years and provide them with the tools to increase the scope and speed of their research through the application of AI and Machine Learning (ML). This program will not support core AI research in computer science, statistics or mathematical sciences; rather, it will provide funding for fellows developing and applying AI techniques to research in engineering and the natural and mathematical sciences. The primary criterion will be that the underpinning applied science is internationally leading, with the application of AI/ML techniques appropriate and likely to lead to a step-change in the application domain.
In the third round (see timeline below), funding is available to support up to 9 two-year fellowships starting from 28th April 2025. Fellowships will cover the award holder’s salary along with limited research and travel costs.
Round 3 Timeline (October 2024)
Round 3 will open in August 2024 with a deadline of 12 noon on 22nd October 2024. Oxford Physics is limited in the number of full applications we are allowed to put forward and we are therefore running an internal selection process with an EOI (expression of interest) deadline of 3rd September 2024.
Applicants who are interested to apply to round 3 with an Oxford Physics host are asked to submit the following documents to fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk by 3rd September to be considered. Applicants are encouraged to read the scheme notes and assessment criteria whilst preparing their EOIs. Candidate's EOIs at the internal selection will be considered against the scheme assessment criteria*. The department is limited to supporting 12 candidates and so applications will be capped at 2 applicants per sub-department with the internal selection taking place at the EOI stage by sub-department panels.
- CV including your academic publications (which will be assessed in line with the DORA agreement). Max. 3 pages in total (Arial 11pt font, 2cm margins).
- Research proposal setting out the research project you wish to pursue, including how your existing or proposed ideas and techniques might find application within one or more areas of the mathematical, physical or life sciences, and why this use of AI/ML will result in novel insights and impact. Max 1 page at EOI stage, to be expanded to 2000 words if selected to make a full application.
- Please provide a training plan providing an overview of any AI-related skills you will need to acquire or further develop in order for you to succeed in your planned research. A deep expertise of AI techniques is not required; however, you will need a basic understanding. A tailored AI and software development training programme will be developed to support you, and is a key element of the scheme. Max 400 words.
- Please cc in your Oxford Sponsor (an academic based in the physics department who will host your fellowship in their group). Please also include the name of your AI/ML mentor for the project if identified at this stage (optional for the full application but encouraged for a strong application). The AI/ML mentor does not need to be based in Physics. (Applicants selected to apply through Oxford Physics will also require an Oxford Physics second reader for the full stage application, this is a second academic in the department who can review your application documents before submission. This can be your AI/ML mentor if they are based in the department but many applicants will have AI/ML mentors outside of the department.)
For queries relating to the internal selection process and applying through Oxford Physics, please contact us on fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk.
For information and queries relating to the scheme in general (including identifying an AI/ML sponsor), please see the scheme webpage or contact tanya.gujral@dtc.ox.ac.uk.
*Assessment criteria
The review panel will use the following criteria in their assessment of applications:
- Fit to call: the primary criterion will be that the underpinning applied science is internationally leading, with the application of AI/ML techniques appropriate and likely to lead to a step-change in the application domain.
- Appropriate level of understanding of how AI techniques might be applied in order to progress the research area.
- Clear demonstration of how the training component of the scheme will benefit the applicant, their research, and their career.
- Quality of the applicant: strong track record appropriate to the career stage of the applicant.
The department is welcoming of EOIs from all applicants, and individuals from underrepresented groups in physics are particularly encouraged to apply. Should any candidates have difficulty in securing a sponsor/host PI within the department or need further guidance on this please contact the facilitation team and we will endeavour to support you. Similarly, if there are any additional factors or circumstances that you wish to be considered during our assessment of your EOI – this might include (but is not limited to) career breaks, caring responsibilities, part-time working, disability etc – or if you are likely to need any specific support or accommodations during the application process, please communicate this to us (in confidence if required): fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk.