Applications are now open for the Schmidt Sciences Fellow in Residence Program 2027, a prestigious opportunity for recent PhD graduates in artificial intelligence and computer science. Based in New York City, this 12–18 month paid fellowship combines independent AI research with hands-on experience in philanthropic grantmaking and research strategy.
Hosted by Schmidt Sciences, the fellowship offers an annual salary of US$160,000, substantial research resources, and the opportunity to help shape the future of AI research funding.
Fellowship Overview
| Host Organization | Schmidt Sciences |
|---|---|
| Programme | Fellow in Residence |
| Location | New York, USA |
| Duration | 12–18 months (extendable up to 24 months) |
| Salary | US$160,000 per year |
| Number of Positions | Up to 3 fellows |
| Start Date | 2027 (flexible) |
| Application Review Begins | 15 December 2026 |
| Field | Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science |
Schmidt Sciences is a nonprofit organization founded by Eric and Wendy Schmidt to accelerate scientific discovery and innovation using advanced technologies. The organization supports groundbreaking research across AI, advanced computing, climate science, biosciences, astrophysics, space science, and scientific systems.
The fellowship is hosted within the AI & Advanced Computing Institute, which funds foundational AI research, AI-enabled scientific discovery, and innovative research infrastructure.
About the Fellowship
The Fellows-in-Residence Program is designed to provide exceptional early-career AI researchers with the freedom to pursue independent research while contributing to high-impact philanthropic initiatives.
Fellows divide their time approximately equally between:
- Conducting independent AI research
- Supporting AI grantmaking and research funding activities
- Engaging with leading researchers and institutions
- Helping shape philanthropic priorities in AI
The programme offers a unique opportunity to influence the direction of AI research while advancing one’s own academic work.
Priority Research Areas
For the 2027 cohort, Schmidt Sciences is particularly interested in applicants with expertise in:
- Trustworthy AI and AI alignment
- AI interpretability
- Multi-agent systems
- AI for scientific discovery
- AI’s impact on labour markets
- Knowledge production and metascience
- Advanced machine learning systems
- AI governance and evaluation
Researchers whose work intersects multiple focus areas are especially encouraged to apply.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive significant resources to support their research and professional development.
Financial and Research Support
- Annual salary of US$160,000
- Up to US$50,000 in compute credits for research projects
- Up to US$50,000 for workshops, colloquia, and community-building events
- Dedicated travel funding for research collaborations
- Access to Schmidt Sciences’ global AI network
- Opportunities to engage with leading AI researchers and grantees
Independent Research Opportunities
Approximately half of each fellow’s time will be devoted to independent research.
Fellows may:
- Continue existing research agendas
- Develop new AI projects
- Collaborate with universities and research labs
- Maintain unpaid academic affiliations where appropriate
- Publish research under their Schmidt Sciences affiliation
Previous fellows have maintained connections with institutions such as Stanford University, MIT, and Johns Hopkins University.
Grantmaking and Strategic Research Activities
The remaining portion of the fellowship focuses on supporting the AI Institute’s funding activities.
Responsibilities may include:
- Reviewing AI research proposals
- Evaluating grant applications
- Identifying emerging research opportunities
- Recruiting expert reviewers
- Organising workshops and research events
- Supporting the development of research communities
- Representing Schmidt Sciences at conferences and meetings
This component offers rare exposure to philanthropic strategy and research funding decision-making.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should:
- Hold a recent PhD in AI, computer science, machine learning, or a closely related field
- Demonstrate a strong publication record
- Possess expertise aligned with the fellowship’s focus areas
- Have a clear independent research agenda
- Show strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
- Be comfortable using AI tools in research workflows
- Demonstrate interest in the future development of AI technologies
Location and Work Environment
Fellows will be based in New York City and work primarily from Schmidt Sciences’ offices.
The programme offers flexibility for fellows who maintain external academic affiliations, allowing them to spend part of their time collaborating with universities or research institutions.
Why Apply?
The Schmidt Sciences Fellow in Residence Program is one of the few opportunities that combines:
- High-level AI research
- Significant financial support
- Access to major research funding networks
- Strategic influence on AI philanthropy
- Collaboration with world-class researchers
- Leadership development within the AI ecosystem
For researchers interested in both advancing AI knowledge and shaping the future of AI research funding, this fellowship offers an exceptional platform.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should prepare their application materials and submit them through the official Schmidt Sciences recruitment portal. Priority review will be given to applications received by 15 December 2026.
