Applications are being solicited for the Cornell University Artificial Intelligence for Science Institute (CUAISci) a hub of the Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship, a program of Schmidt Futures. This program supports postdocs pursuing 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. Selected postdocs will work in a scientific domain whose primary discipline and mentor is in STEM but not in computer science, operations research, or applied mathematics.
Specifically, this advertisement is soliciting applicants to work under the direction of Dr. Ruth Richardson, Civil and Environmental Engineering in one of two topical areas:
1. Harmful Algal Blooms in freshwater systems - pytoplankton dynamics and colony scale image analyses.
2. Circular economy vis-a-vis treatment of water, wastewater, and food waste – triple bottom line guidance and system selection.
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 which should be September 2023 (with possible start as late as December 2023).
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. Additionally, Fellows will be eligible for up to $15,000 in research costs from the College of Engineering.
Application Materials:
Applications should be emailed by March 31, 2023 to Dr. Ruth Richardson at Cornell University at rer26@cornell.edu with the Subject “Schmidt CUAISci Institute Application” and contain the following:
•Applicant’s CV
•Applicant’s transcript showing proof of past PhD (current PhD students may supplement with a simple letter from a current PhD advisor stating intended completion date).
•Brief (1-2 page single spaced) research statement containing:
1. How your past work relates to (or prepares you for) one of the specified themes (Harmful Algal Blooms or Sustainable Water/Wastewater/Organic Waste Treatment)
2. What quantitative skills you have that prepare you for being an AI Postdoctoral Fellow.
3. Also include full contact information for 2 professional references. We will request reference letters for top candidates.
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.
Equal Employment Opportunity 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.
Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university as well as the Land Grant University of New York State. 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. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.
We offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including: employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave, flexible work options.