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 second round (see timeline below), funding is available to support up to 15 one-year fellowships starting from 21st April 2024. Fellows will be appointed one year in the first instance, with the possibility of a second year. Fellowships will cover the award holder’s salary along with generous research and travel costs. 

Round 2 Timeline (October 2023)

Applications are now closed for round 2, round 3 is expected to be held in 2024. Please email fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk to register your interest if you'd like to be notified by email when the next round is announced. The below outlines the internal process from round 2 for information. 

Round 2 will open in September 2023 with a deadline of 31st October 2023. 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 4th September 2023

Applicants who are interested to apply to round 2 with an Oxford Physics host are asked to submit the following documents to fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk by 4th September to be considered. Applicants are encouraged to read the round 2 scheme notes and assessment criteria whilst preparing their EOIs. Candidate's EOIs at the internal selection will be considered against the scheme assessment criteria. 

  • 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. 
  • 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 successful fellows, and is a key element of the scheme. Max 400 words.
  • Please cc in your Oxford Sponsor who will host you for the fellowship. Please also include the name of your AI/ML mentor for the project if identified (optional but encouraged for a strong application). 

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.