Career Center

Postdoctoral Associate - AI for Science

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

Research Themes:

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

• AI for Materials Discovery
• AI for Physics
• AI for the Biological Sciences
• AI for the Sustainability Sciences

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.

Application Process:

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 a deep understanding of 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 $74,160 plus endowed employee benefits. Each postdoc will receive a $15,000 research allowance via funds from their appointing college, department or science mentor.

Application Materials

• Applicant's CV
• Applicant's transcript showing proof of PhD or letter from current PhD advisor stating intended completion date
• Research proposal
• Maximum 3 pages, 11-point font, 1-inch margins, single spaced
• Will be reviewed according to the evaluation criteria listed in the Application Process section
• Letter of support from selected Cornell domain science mentor, including a statement on the funding source for the annual postdoc research allowance
• 2 other reference letters

Pay Range:

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.

Employment Assistance:

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also visit the office of Workforce Recruitment and Retention Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to use a dedicated workstation to complete an online application.

Notice to Applicants:

EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.