AIMS South Africa AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027/2028:

The AIMS South Africa AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship is a fully funded, one-year program designed for postdoctoral researchers to conduct innovative AI-driven research in Science or Engineering, with a focus on South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

This fellowship is linked with the Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship at Imperial College London, forming a back-to-back, two-year opportunity spanning the UK and South Africa. Applicants must apply to both fellowships.

Fellowship Details

• Location: Muizenberg, Cape Town, South Africa

• Duration: 1 September 2027 – 31 August 2028

• Linked Fellowship: 1-year at Imperial College London before the AIMS fellowship

Eligibility Criteria

• Hold a PhD (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline by 1 September 2027.

• Demonstrated leadership potential in research projects.

• Outstanding research record, evidenced by thesis, publications, conference presentations, or code.

• Research proposal must fall within the AI in Science remit.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and original AI-driven research in science or engineering.

• Contribute to the research environment in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

• Collaborate with fellow researchers and engage in scientific outreach and LMIC (low- and middle-income countries) engagement.

Benefits

• Salary: R 550,000

• Flights: To and from South Africa

• Meals: Provided at AIMS

• Opportunity to join a cohort of AI in Science fellows with collaborative and outreach activities

Application Procedure

Applicants should submit a subset of documents for the Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship to vacancies@aims.ac.za, including:

1. Full Curriculum Vitae (including publications).

2. Single file containing:

   • Publication Elaboration: ≤1 page outlining contributions to up to three papers.

   • Research Proposal Summary: ≤1 page, general audience, highlighting the transformative impact of the proposed AI research.

   • Research Proposal: ≤3 pages, structured with background, hypotheses/aims, and work packages.

   • Kindness Statement: ≤¼ page, outlining your view on the need for kindness in science.

This fellowship is ideal for early-career researchers seeking to apply AI innovatively to science, gain international experience, and contribute to research capacity in Africa.

for more information-