Fully Funded African Institute For Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) South Africa AI In Science Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunity 2027/2028 -

About the AIMS AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship

The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) South Africa is inviting outstanding researchers to apply for the AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027/2028. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing every aspect of modern science and engineering, and now you have the chance to be at the heart of this transformation. This fully funded fellowship offers a unique dual opportunity—beginning with the prestigious Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship at Imperial College London (2026/2027), followed by a one-year research appointment at AIMS South Africa from 1 September 2027 to 31 August 2028.

This back-to-back fellowship program provides a world-class platform for researchers to explore how artificial intelligence can accelerate scientific discovery, disrupt traditional paradigms, and create innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

The fellowship is designed to nurture groundbreaking research at the intersection of AI, mathematics, science, and engineering. Successful applicants will first spend a year at Imperial College London, engaging in pioneering research and collaborating with global experts. Afterward, they will continue their work at AIMS South Africa in Cape Town, applying their knowledge to strengthen the scientific ecosystem across Africa.

The program is more than just a research position—it is a launchpad for leadership in the global scientific community, enabling fellows to contribute not only through academic research but also through mentorship, outreach, and collaboration across low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Eligible Fields

The fellowship encourages applications from candidates working in a broad spectrum of fields, including but not limited to:

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning applications in physical, natural, and applied sciences.
Engineering disciplines that can be transformed by AI.
Mathematics and computational sciences.
Data-driven approaches to scientific discovery.

If your research can show how AI can meaningfully advance, disrupt, or reimagine a field of science or engineering, you are a strong candidate for this opportunity.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered:

Hold a PhD (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline by 1 September 2027.
Demonstrate outstanding research ability, evidenced by an exceptional thesis, publications, presentations, code repositories, or similar achievements.
Show potential for leadership in their field, with initiative and independent contributions to research projects.
Submit a research proposal within the scope of AI in Science that illustrates how the application of AI can transform or accelerate progress in the chosen field.
Must be prepared to apply for and participate in the Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship at Imperial College London in the preceding year (2026/2027).

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed on the basis of:

The originality, relevance, and potential impact of the proposed research.
The applicant’s academic track record, including publications, conference papers, and contributions to the scientific community.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
A clear vision of how AI can be applied to advance science or engineering in Africa and globally.

Eligible Countries

The fellowship is open to candidates worldwide, but special emphasis will be placed on supporting research that benefits South Africa and the wider sub-Saharan African region.

Required Documents

Applicants are expected to submit the following materials via email to vacancies@aims.ac.za:

Full Curriculum Vitae including a comprehensive list of publications.
Publication Elaboration (max 1 page): A short note explaining the significance of up to three selected papers, written for a general scientific reader.
Research Proposal Summary (max 1 page): A concise, accessible overview of the proposed research project, highlighting why the application of AI will be transformative in the chosen field.
Research Proposal (max 3 pages): A detailed document structured around background, hypotheses or aims, and work packages explaining how the research will be conducted and its potential transformative impact.
Kindness Statement (¼ page): A personal reflection on the importance of kindness in the scientific community, acknowledging that fellows will join a collaborative cohort engaged in outreach and engagement in LMICs.

Benefits of the Fellowship

The AIMS South Africa AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship offers a highly competitive and comprehensive package:

Annual Salary: R550,000
Fully Funded Travel: Flights to and from South Africa are provided.
Meals Provided: Fellows receive free meals at AIMS South Africa.
Research Environment: Access to world-class facilities, interdisciplinary collaborations, and a vibrant scientific community at both Imperial College and AIMS.
Professional Development: Exposure to cutting-edge global AI research, mentorship, and leadership training.
Impactful Contribution: A unique chance to shape the future of science and innovation in Africa.

How to Apply

Because the fellowship is directly linked to the Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship at Imperial College London, candidates should prepare a subset of documents that align with the Imperial College application process. These documents must be emailed to vacancies@aims.ac.za before the deadline.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the selection process.

Final Thoughts

This fellowship is not just a funding opportunity—it is a chance to join an elite network of AI researchers, collaborate with global leaders, and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries that will impact the world. If you are a driven postdoctoral researcher ready to use artificial intelligence to advance science, engineering, and human knowledge, this is your pathway to making a lasting difference.