The Data Science Institute (DSI) at Columbia University invites applications for the 9th cohort of the DSI Postdoctoral Fellows Program for the 2026-2028 cycle. This prestigious two-year program aims to develop the next-generation of leaders in data science and artificial intelligence. Fellows will conduct independent and innovative research aligned with a DSI Research Center, a dynamic environment that fosters multidisciplinary and collaborative efforts. We are looking for exceptional candidates who will advance DSI’s broad mission:

1. Advance the state of the art in data science and artificial intelligence;

2. Transform all fields, professions, and sectors through the application of data science;

3. Ensure the responsible use of data for the benefit of society.

DSI is a world-leading institution in data science research and education dedicated to promoting "Data for Good" leveraging data to address societal challenges while integrating humanistic perspectives with scientific and technological advancements.  

Established in 2012, DSI is a university-level institute comprised of over 400 faculty and researchers from 17 schools, institutes, and colleges across Columbia. The Institute maintains strong connections with New York City’s economic development initiatives, including its dynamic and fast-growing start-up community.  Our focus is on conducting world-class research and training data scientists to become leaders in academia, industry, and government.

Appointment and Benefits

DSI Postdoctoral Fellows will begin their initial one-year appointment (of a two-year commitment) as an Officer of Research on September 1, 2026. Earlier or later start dates may be considered to accommodate the awardee’s and/or mentor’s circumstances. If you have specific preferences regarding start date, please indicate them in your application or at the time an offer is made.

Please note that the University Provost expects all Officers of Research to be present on the Columbia University campus regularly and actively engage in our vibrant in-person community. Remote work arrangements will not be considered for DSI Postdoctoral Fellows. Selected Postdoctoral Fellows are expected to relocate within commuting distance of the University. For foreign nationals, the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa is the most commonly used visa for DSI Postdoctoral Fellows at Columbia University.

The following compensation package is guaranteed for the two-year term, contingent upon satisfactory performance:

• Competitive Salary: $90,000 annually.

• IT Allowance: Reimbursement for expenses related to computer and equipment needs.

• Research Allowance: Reimbursement for research-related travel, publication fees, professional membership fees, conferences and seminars.

• Housing Option: A Columbia University Postdoc Housing allocation (subject to availability) or in the instance that housing is unavailable, you will be provided a stipend for an annual off-campus housing allowance to help off-set the cost of living in NYC.

• Relocation Support: A one-time lump sum payment of $1,500, subject to taxes and withholdings.

• Benefits: Access to Columbia University’s full range of benefits for Officers. 

To be eligible for the program, applicants must have received their doctoral degrees within three years prior to the start of the appointment. All doctoral requirements must be completed, and the degree awarded and dissertation deposited before the start of the appointment. The program welcomes applications from both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens. 

We are seeking applicants who have explicit interests in advancing and applying data science and artificial intelligence across various domains.

DEADLINE: December 15, 2025.

Important update: In prior years, applications were accepted on a rolling basis. Beginning this year, our application will close on December 15, 2025. All materials must be submitted by this deadline; although we do allow a grace period for confidential letters of reference until January 1. Because of the volume of applications, we will no longer accept applications beyond the December 15 deadline.  We encourage all prospective applicants to plan accordingly.

Additionally, this year, selected DSI Postdoctoral Fellows will be embedded within one of two centers within the Institute. This is to create a cohort within  the selected Centers and also, create  a supportive  research community for fellows. To this end, please select the center or centers with which your work is most closely aligned. Please also identify potential mentors from these centers with whom you would like to work. 

To be eligible for review, applicants must submit all required materials via the Interfolio online application, including:

• Cover Letter: A letter explaining your motivation for applying to this program, including your preferred mentors and any special interest areas, if applicable.

• Curriculum Vitae: A comprehensive CV that includes a list of your publications.

• Research Statement: A detailed research statement (up to five pages, single-spaced) summarizing your current research interests, past accomplishments, specific goals you aim to achieve during this program, and the DSI Research Center that best aligns with your research interests. See ?Research Statement and Mentor Selection? below for more information.

• Research Papers: A minimum of three representative research papers, which can include working papers.

• Letters of Reference: Three confidential letters of reference from individuals familiar with your work, including your doctoral supervisor, if applicable. 

• Note: All three letters must be submitted directly by the recommenders for your application to be considered complete. We recommend contacting your referees early in the process to ensure they are aware of the application deadline.

Please note that materials submitted via email will not be reviewed or considered.

Research Statement and Mentor Selection

Research statements should provide a comprehensive overview of your current research interests, past accomplishments, and the specific goals you aim to achieve during your time in this program. Additionally, your statement should include a concise proposal outlining your planned research activities as a DSI Postdoctoral Fellow, with a particular emphasis on developing novel artificial intelligence and/or data science tools for advancing specific scientific domains. 

Research statements must explain how your research will contribute to or enhance the mission of your chosen DSI research center(s):

DSI Research Centers:

• Computing Systems for Data-Driven Science

• Cybersecurity

• Data, Media, and Society

• Financial and Business Analytics

• Foundations of Data Science

• Health Analytics

• Sense, Collect, and Move Data

• Smart Cities

While not mandatory, applicants are encouraged to identify 2-5 potential mentors from one or more DSI research centers. Candidates are not required to have established relationships with prospective mentors and do not need to contact faculty directly prior to submitting their applications. If appropriate, we encourage the identification of mentors from both a methodological  area (applied mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, machine learning, optimization, statistics, etc.) and specific domain area. Finalists will be paired with mentors by the search committee, facilitating a rich mentorship experience that aligns with the fellows' research interests and goals.

Please email dsi-fellows@columbia.edu with questions regarding the program or application process.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training.  The above hiring range represents the University?s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

About Columbia University

Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.

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