AIMS South Africa AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027-2028

Overview

This two-stage fellowship pairs one year at Imperial College London (September 2026, part of the Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship) with a subsequent one-year appointment at AIMS South Africa (September 2027 to August 2028). The AIMS position pays an annual salary of R 550,000. The fellowship targets researchers applying AI and machine learning to scientific questions in physics, climate science, health, engineering, or related fields. Candidates must apply concurrently to both institutions. Applicants who prefer the AIMS year only may apply directly to AIMS.

Benefits

• R 550,000/year salary at AIMS South Africa (2027-2028)
• Research costs and travel covered
• Prior year fully funded by Imperial College London (Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship)
• Access to both the AIMS and Imperial College research networks

Eligibility

• PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline by 1 September 2027
• Strong publication record with at least one peer-reviewed first-author paper
• Demonstrated leadership in research project design or delivery
• Research proposal must fall within the AI in Science remit
• Open to all nationalities

How to apply

Email the full application package to vacancies@aims.ac.za by 1 September 2026. Required documents: full CV with publications list, Publication Elaboration (up to 3 papers, maximum 1 page), Research Proposal Summary (maximum 1 page), Full Research Proposal (maximum 3 pages), and a Kindness Statement (maximum one-quarter page). Apply simultaneously to the Imperial College Schmidt AI Fellowship at imperial.ac.uk/ix-ai-in-science/apply/. Applications to AIMS only are also accepted.