2024 Schmidt AI in Science Postdoc (Ithaca)

CUAISci is seeking applications for ten postdocs in a scientific domain whose primary discipline and mentor is in STEM but not in computer science, operations research, or mathematic.

Cornell University hosts the Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship, a program of Schmidt Futures. This program supports collaborative research projects using AI to accelerate scientific discovery. Postdocs will engage in a variety of research, training, and learning opportunities to advance broad and deep adoption of AI tools across multiple scientific domains. Postdocs will become part of a global network of AI-trained researchers and be at the forefront of AI-led scientific innovation. The Cornell program spans 6 years. The first cohort of 10 postdocs in different scientific domains joined in the 2022–2023 academic year, and Cornell is hosting 20 postdocs each of the following five years.

The initial research themes identified for the fellowship program at CUAISci include, but are not limited to, the following:

AI for Materials Discovery: New materials have the potential to spark innovation and transform engineering progress. AI has the ability to accelerate materials discovery through AI-guided robotic scientific experimentation, interpretation of highly complex experimental data, and molecular design and synthesis, among others.

AI for Physics: AI has the ability to lead the big data revolution in areas such as quantum mater and astronomy, leading to potential increases in data resolution and a better understanding of such complex data.

AI for the Biological Sciences: The biological sciences provide a wealth of opportunities for transdisciplinary AI research. Such areas ripe for investigation include disentangling complex genomic data sets, diagnosing human disease, predicting pest outbreaks, deep brain imaging, and multi-scale production modeling.

AI for the Sustainability Sciences: AI provides new data analysis and interpretation techniques to help us protect our planet and increase the efficiency of resource use. Applications include but are not limited to, designing biodiversity responses to climate change, optimizing clean energy projects, and modeling ecosystem services.

For potential mentors, please see the list of CUAISci-affiliated faculty and researchers, as well as Cornell webpages of other faculty and researchers in science and engineering domains.

Application Process:
1. Postdoctoral applicants must identify a primary Cornell faculty mentor in their scientific domain. Potential science mentors can be found via the website, but are not limited to those listed.
2. Applicants, in conjunction with the Cornell science faculty mentor, will draft a proposal that includes a clear description of the topic, the AI component, and an AI mentorship plan.
3. Applications will be evaluated on (i) intellectual merit and scientific excellence, (ii) AI for science potential, (iii) cross disciplinary connections, (iv) broader societal impact, and (v) diversity, equity, and inclusion experiences and vision.
4. Applications will be evaluated by a review panel.
5. A short list of applicants will be interviewed via Zoom.
6. Application review will begin on April 15, 2024. Reviews will continue until all spots are filled.
7. The intended start date is September 1, 2024.

Expectations:
Postdocs are expected to engage with cross-disciplinary teams to learn AI and foster deep integration of AI concepts and techniques to their scientific area. The postdoc is expected to serve as the bridge between domain scientists and AI experts, with the ability to show other domain scientists the power of AI to improve and expand studies in their field.

Selected postdocs are expected to fully participate in all program activities and be an active member of their Cornell cohort, as well as their counterpart cohorts at other program sites around the world. This will involve participating in seminars and workshops, auditing courses, publishing in high-impact scientific journals, and attending conferences. Attendance at the annual Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship, a program of Schmidt Futures conference is required.

Postdoc research projects are not intended to be seed grants for new projects. We aim to support postdoc research for projects that already have preliminary results, or that are part of a long-term science program. Further, this program is meant to produce use-inspired basic and applied research with a strong AI component, driven by real-world scientific applications.

Science faculty mentors are expected to sufficiently engage with their postdoc mentee, providing training and learning opportunities, as well as career guidance. Mentors must develop an Individual Development Plan with their selected fellow, and update the plan as needed.

To Apply:
Cornell University is seeking applications for our third cohort of the Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship, a program of Schmidt Futures. We are looking for approximately 10 postdocs who have a track-record of excellence in research and an interest in furthering their AI skills. Postdocs will engage in science research projects under the guidance of a faculty mentor in the relevant scientific field and department.

Requirements and Qualifications:
A major goal of this program is for postdocs to learn how to use AI to solve problems in their scientific domains. Successful candidates must exhibit excellence in their scientific domain, and show evidence of strong quantitative skills. While we do not expect a candidate to possess an extensive background in AI, proficiency in AI will be considered in the selection process. Applicants must hold a PhD prior to their start date.

Applicants must have a science mentor and intended department for appointment. Science mentors must be faculty members in a relevant field and department, for example in the College of Engineering, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, or the College of Arts and Sciences. The primary discipline and department of both the postdoc and mentor must not be in computer science, operations research, or mathematics.

Support and Benefits:
Selected postdocs will be appointed as endowed employees at Cornell University in a department identified according to the criteria above. Starting salary is competitive plus endowed employee benefits.

Application Materials:
Please submit applications to [email protected]. Applications should be submitted as a single pdf and named as ApplicantLastName_ApplicantFirstName-Science.pdf. Applications should contain the following:
• Cover letter (maximum 1 page)
• Applicant’s CV
• Applicant’s transcript showing proof of PhD; or intended completion date, which must be confirmed in a separately submitted letter from the current PhD advisor (can be in a reference letter)
• Research proposal
o Maximum 3 pages (excluding citations), 11-point font, 1-inch margins, single spaced
o Will be reviewed according to the evaluation criteria listed in the Application Process section
• Name of the selected Cornell domain science mentor, who will separately submit a letter of support that includes a detailed AI mentoring and research plan at Cornell and a statement and on the funding source for the postdoc research allowance
• Names of two additional references, who will submit reference letters separately
The science mentor, additional references, and (if applicable) current PhD advisor must also provide their letters directly to [email protected], before the application will be considered complete. Letters are submitted separately to maintain confidentiality.

Pay Range:

$56,484.00 - $80,000.00

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
• Unique applicable skills.

Familiarize yourself with Cornell's COVID-19 workplace guidance as well as the university's COVID-19 services and information .

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email [email protected] .

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University's Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at [email protected] .

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing [email protected] .

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here . This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

2024-03-14