Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Oxford 2026: Fully Funded Opportunity for Early-Career Researchers Applying Artificial Intelligence to STEM Research

Overview

The Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Oxford is open for its fifth round of funding. It supports early-career researchers in the mathematical, physical, life and medical sciences who want to integrate artificial intelligence and machine learning into their research. Fellows receive mentorship, access to Oxford's research environment and training to deepen their AI knowledge while working with leading scientists and AI specialists. Applicants do not have to be AI experts already, but need a strong scientific background and a promising research idea.

The programme aims to support interdisciplinary research combining AI with STEM disciplines, develop researchers who can apply AI to discovery, foster collaboration between AI researchers and scientists across Oxford's Mathematical, Physical, Life and Medical Sciences divisions and encourage responsible, ethical use of AI.

Who can apply

Applicants must have completed, or be due to complete before the appointment date, a DPhil or PhD in mathematical, physical, life or medical sciences. They need an innovative research idea that would benefit from AI or machine learning, enough understanding of AI to explain how it would improve their research and awareness of ethical implications such as transparency, fairness, accountability and reproducibility. They must also secure the support of an Oxford faculty member in an eligible department of the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences division who will host them. Identifying an AI or machine learning mentor at Oxford before applying is strongly encouraged but not compulsory.

How to apply

Applications are submitted through Oxford's Internal Research Award Management System. Applicants should consult departmental Research Facilitators first and check for earlier internal deadlines. External applicants get help from the relevant departmental research support team. A multidisciplinary panel reviews research quality, the proposed use of AI and scientific innovation, then shortlists and interviews candidates. Because panel members may not be specialists in the applicant's field, proposals should explain the scientific challenge, the AI techniques, the broader significance and the expected outcomes in accessible language.

Key dates

Applications open on 3 August 2026 and close at 12:00 noon on 16 October 2026. Interviews are expected in December 2026, with dates to be confirmed.