Data Science Institute Postdoctoral Scholars Program AY2026-27

The Data Science Institute (DSI) at the University of Chicago invites applications for Postdoctoral Scholars who wish to advance cutting-edge data science approaches, methods, and applications in research. The DSI executes the University of Chicago’s bold, innovative vision of Data Science as a new discipline by advancing foundational and interdisciplinary research, developing partnerships with industry, government, and social impact organizations, and implementing a holistic approach to data science education.

The DSI is part of a vibrant and growing data science community which includes departments across campus as well as the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, and Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago (TTIC). These on-campus partnerships enable and encourage unique interdisciplinary research partnerships, reducing early-stage friction to hasten meaningful relationships and high-impact research.

This unique program provides postdocs with the opportunity to pursue original research on significant questions in data science. Drawing on the University of Chicago’s top-ranked programs, world-renowned faculty, as well as a vibrant and quickly expanding data science ecosystem, this program allows postdoctoral scholars to engage in field-defining data science and artificial intelligence research. Our positions carry a competitive salary, generous research funding allowances, and benefits. It is equally important that our postdocs work and grow in an environment that is supportive and focused on community and career development; as such, this program includes lectures focused on communication and workplace culture, and aims to develop a diverse cohort of well-rounded scholars pursuing careers across data science disciplines.

Postdocs may (but do not need to) choose to express interest in working on one of the DSI’s five research initiatives,  AI+Science ,  Data & Democracy , AI for Climate ,  Data Ecology , and  Novel Intelligence .

Application Deadline : Review of applications will begin on November 17, 2025 and will continue until all positions are filled.

Appointments : For up to three years, renewed annually

Intended start date : On or around August 1, 2026

Salary : $83,000 / year with benefits, with annual travel and research funds available

Questions : If you have questions about the program or would like to discuss this opportunity, please contact .

Program Benefits :

• Mentorship : Mentors will provide ongoing research and career guidance through regular meetings, as well as opportunities to promote the scholar’s accomplishments in public forums. Scholars have the option to receive mentorship from a single faculty member or joint mentorship from a data science researcher and a domain expert.
• Unique Datasets : Scholars will have privileged, unique access to large-scale datasets from a variety of sectors.
• Cohort Program : The program will host activities where scholars can connect with members of their cohort, share knowledge, and gain insight through guest lectures, industry speakers, and other activities. Scholars will have autonomy and resources to select, host, and invite speakers, with support from DSI administrative staff.
• Outreach and Impact : Scholars will have considerable opportunities to establish new relationships and translate their research into real-world impact by leveraging our network of academic, civic, government, and industry connections.
• Academia / Industry Ready : Experience gained during the program will help scholars prepare for diverse career paths, from tenure-track academic positions to leadership opportunities within innovative companies.

What you’ll do :

Evaluation Criteria :

Proposals will be reviewed by the DSI Postdoctoral Committee using the following factors :

Eligibility & Guidelines :

If you have any questions about your eligibility, please feel free to email .

Applications Should Include :

If you have indicated interest in one of the research initiatives, please include information about how your research and vision matches with the stated goals and foci of the selected initiative.

“If Dr. (insert full name of applicant) is accepted as a Data Science Institute Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of Chicago, it is my intent to act as a mentor on a project of mutual interest.”

The DSI team will also be available to help identify potential faculty mentors if you move forward in the application process. Potential mentors to consider include Committee on Data Science faculty (from the DSI and other departments) and affiliated faculty of the DSI.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement :

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's  Notice of Nondiscrimination .

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call or email  with their request.

Contact : For questions about this application, please contact : .