AIMS South Africa AI in Science Postdoctoral Bursary 2027 – Closing Date: 15 November 2025 Apply Now

Hey Future Scientists! Ready to supercharge your research with Artificial Intelligence? We’ve got an absolutely epic opportunity waiting for you right here in South Africa!
The **AIMS South Africa AI in Science Postdoctoral Bursary for 2027** is calling all brilliant, innovative minds who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of science and engineering using AI. This isn’t just any bursary; it’s a unique, fully-funded chance to dive deep into cutting-edge AI research.
What makes this even more awesome? This Postdoctoral Bursary is part of an incredible two-year international journey! You’ll first experience an Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship at Imperial College, London (starting September 2026), immediately followed by your year at AIMS South Africa (starting September 2027). This means you get a truly global research experience, developing ground-breaking AI applications and contributing directly to the research landscape in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. How cool is that?
Who Can Apply?
Think this sounds like you? Here’s what you need to know about who qualifies for this game-changing Postdoctoral Bursary:
- You must hold a PhD (or equivalent qualification) in an appropriate discipline. Make sure you’ll have this by 1 September 2027.
- You should show potential for leadership qualities in your subject – maybe you’ve taken initiative on past research projects? That’s exactly what they’re looking for!
- Have an outstanding research record that matches your experience level. This could be shown through an amazing thesis, impressive publications, conference presentations, or even cool code you’ve developed.
- Your proposed research must fall within the exciting field of AI in Science. Show them how your work will use AI to advance and disrupt science or engineering!
What Does It Cover?
Get ready for some fantastic benefits that will let you focus purely on your research! This fully-funded Postdoctoral Bursary is designed to support you comprehensively:
- Generous Salary: You’ll receive a competitive salary of R550,000 for your year at AIMS South Africa.
- Flights: Your flights to and from South Africa will be covered, making your international transition smooth.
- Meals: When you’re at AIMS in Muizenberg, Cape Town, your meals will be provided, so you can focus on your breakthroughs without worrying about the little things.
Your research location will be at the beautiful AIMS South Africa campus in Muizenberg, Cape Town, from 1 September 2027 to 31 August 2028.
How to Apply?
Ready to jump into this incredible opportunity? Here’s how you can apply:
Since this AIMS Fellowship is linked with the Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowship at Imperial College, you’ll submit a specific set of documents that are also used for the Imperial College application. This streamlines the process for you!
Here’s what you need to prepare and send:
- Full Curriculum Vitae (CV): Make sure it includes all your publications.
- Publication Elaboration: A short note (1 page or less) outlining the contribution of up to three of your most significant papers. This should be written for a general scientific audience.
- Research Proposal Summary: A concise summary (1 page or less) of your proposed research, suitable for a general scientific audience, including the title of your project. This is super important, so make it impactful! It should explain why and how your AI application will transform your target science area.
- Research Proposal: A more detailed proposal (3 pages or less) explaining why and how your proposed research could be transformative for a particular area of science. You can structure this with background, a few hypotheses/aims, and work packages.
- Kindness Statement: A brief outline (¼ page or less) of your views on the importance of kindness among scientists. Remember, you’ll be joining a cohort with opportunities for outreach and engagement in low- and middle-income countries!
Send all these documents to: applications@aims.ac.za
For more detailed information and to download the official PDF, make sure to visit the official webpage:
AIMS South Africa AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship Official Information (PDF)
If revolutionizing science with AI while gaining international experience sounds like your dream bursary, then don’t wait! Make sure your application is polished and sent off before the closing date. This is a chance to truly fund your future and make a real impact. Good luck, and remember to explore even more incredible bursaries right here on Bursaries Room!
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