Deadline: Unspecified
Are you a passionate researcher ready to push the boundaries of Artificial Intelligence in Science? The AIMS South Africa AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026–2027 is now open for applications, offering outstanding postdoctoral scholars a chance to advance cutting-edge research in AI and its applications across science and engineering.
This prestigious fellowship provides a unique two-year opportunity: one year at Imperial College London under the Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship, followed by a year at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) South Africa.
Fellowship Overview
- Provider: African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) South Africa
- Programme Duration:
- Year 1: Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship at Imperial College London (1 September 2026 – 31 August 2027)
- Year 2: AIMS South Africa Postdoctoral Fellowship (1 September 2027 – 31 August 2028)
- Focus: Application of Artificial Intelligence in scientific and engineering domains. This is not a generic AI research programme but a highly specialised opportunity for domain-specific breakthroughs.
Research Focus Areas
Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their project will transform a chosen scientific field using AI. Possible focus areas include:
- Bayesian optimisation for molecular or materials design
- Machine learning applied to single-cell data
- Physics-informed machine learning
- Astrostatistics and astrophysical data analysis
- Other domain-specific scientific challenges using AI
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the AIMS South Africa AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026–2027, applicants must:
- Hold a PhD (or equivalent) completed by 1 September 2027
- Show strong leadership potential and a proven research record (publications, code contributions, conference presentations, or thesis work)
- Submit a well-defined research project proposal aligned with the fellowship’s objectives
Application Requirements
Applicants must apply separately to both:
- The Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship at Imperial College London
- The AIMS South Africa Postdoctoral Fellowship
For the AIMS application, the following documents are required:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including a full publication list
- Publication Elaboration: Up to one page describing the impact of up to three key papers, written for a general scientific audience
- Research Proposal Summary: One-page overview explaining how your project will transform the chosen scientific field
- Detailed Research Proposal: Up to three pages including background, objectives, and work plan
- Kindness Statement: A brief (¼ page maximum) reflection on the importance of kindness in science
Funding & Benefits
- The Opportunity Desk listing indicated a salary of R550,000, but this figure remains unconfirmed in official AIMS or Imperial College sources. Applicants are advised to confirm funding details directly.
Key Dates
- Start Date: 1 September 2026 (Imperial College London)
- End Date: 31 August 2028 (AIMS South Africa)
- Deadline: Candidates should ensure their PhD is completed by 1 September 2027
How to Apply
Applications involve two steps:
👉 Read More About the Programme
The AIMS South Africa AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026–2027 is an exceptional opportunity for researchers eager to explore how Artificial Intelligence can drive scientific innovation. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative programme.
(contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refinning and review)
