Schmidt AI in Science Postdocs at UC San Diego: 2027 cohort
The Schmidt AI in Science Postdocs program at UC San Diego pays from $85,000 a year for two years of AI driven science. Apply by October 5, 2026.
The Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship at UC San Diego is taking applications for its 2027 cohort. The program is funded by Schmidt Sciences. Each year it supports 10 to 20 postdocs who learn AI methods and apply them to research in the engineering, mathematical and natural sciences.
The fellowship lasts two years and is not renewable. The annual salary starts at $85,000, with annual increases, plus full benefits. The program pays for AI courses and training at UC San Diego and gives modest extra funding for conference travel.
Applicants need a UC San Diego faculty member who agrees to be their primary STEM mentor. The PhD must be finished by September 1 of the start year. Applicants from outside the US can apply, and visa sponsorship is possible. The program does not fund core AI research in computer science. It gives priority to people with fewer than four years of postdoc experience.
An application has the program form, a research statement, a nomination letter from the STEM mentor and two more reference letters. The committee looks at the promise of the research agenda and how well the applicant understands using AI to improve their science.
Applications opened on September 1, 2026 and close on October 5, 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific time. Fellows start on October 1, 2027 and must be in residence at UC San Diego.