Job Description
The Schmidt Science Fellows Program is a prestigious, fully funded postdoctoral fellowship designed to cultivate the next generation of scientific leaders. Established by Eric and Wendy Schmidt in partnership with the Rhodes Trust, the program empowers exceptional early-career scientists to pursue interdisciplinary research that transcends traditional academic boundaries. Fellows are provided with the resources and support to undertake innovative research projects that address global challenges.
Role Description:
Fellows engage in a 12 to 24-month postdoctoral research placement at a world-leading laboratory, distinct from their Ph.D. discipline, to foster interdisciplinary approaches. The program includes personalized mentoring, participation in a global meeting series, and integration into a lifelong community of interdisciplinary scientists. Fellows are expected to develop novel scientific insights and contribute to the advancement of knowledge across disciplines.
- Location: Placements at leading research institutions worldwide, including the USA, e.g., the University of California, San Francisco.
- Application Cycle: Annually.
What You’ll Need:
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Ph.D. in natural sciences (e.g., astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences), engineering, mathematics, or computing.
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Completion of Ph.D. between May 15, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
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Nomination by a designated senior official at one of the program’s nominating partner institutions.
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Commitment to pursuing a postdoctoral research project in a field different from the Ph.D. discipline.
Preferred or Required Qualifications:
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Demonstrated record of academic excellence and scientific achievement.
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Strong intellectual curiosity and a passion for interdisciplinary research.
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Leadership potential and a desire to make a positive impact on society through science.
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Ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and disciplines.
Benefits and Perks:
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Annual stipend of $110,000 to support personal and living costs during the fellowship.
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Access to a global network of leading scientists and researchers.
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Participation in a comprehensive leadership development program.
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Personalized mentoring from accomplished interdisciplinary scientists.
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Opportunities to attend international conferences and workshops.
Where and How You Can Apply:
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Candidates must be nominated by their Ph.D.-granting institution.
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Interested individuals should contact their institution’s designated nominating official for application procedures.
- Motivation letter for application (one page) showcasing the candidate’s academic achievements, motivations and programmatic fit
- Curriculum vitae, incl. publications, patents, scientific awards
- Summary of the dissertation
- Support letter from the doctoral supervisor
- For more information, visit the official website.
