Empire/Foundational AI Fellow

Position Description

The Empire AI Fellows Program and the Foundational AI Fellows Program jointly invite applications for post-doctoral fellow positions at Cornell University. The mission of the programs is to advance foundational and applied research in contemporary artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), as well as AI-enabled science. Specifically, our goals are to pioneer cutting-edge technical research that will transform current AI paradigms, bring about deep understanding of AI models, and enable the next generation of AI technologies. Fellows will be selected based on their demonstrated potential to undertake transformative research.

Empire AI Fellows Program

This program is made possible by a gift from the Secunda Family Foundation to support artificial intelligence-related research at Cornell Tech in New York City and at the Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science in Ithaca, amplifying their investment in the shared compute resources provided by the EmpireAI program. The program aims to support AI researchers in their pursuit of new, groundbreaking AI developments. By giving these researchers the freedom to explore all the opportunities that this nascent technology has to offer, the fellows program will open up a new world of technological development. This program is in partnership with the Jacobs Institute at Cornell Tech.

Foundational AI Fellows Program

This program is made possible by a gift of Josh Kulkin to support foundational research in artificial intelligence at the Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science in Ithaca and at Cornell Tech in New York City. The goal of the program is to support groundbreaking research to develop the foundations of artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing and related fields. Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in the thriving community of leading AI scholars in both locations.

Application Materials

• 2 letters of references
• CV
• Research statement (around 2 pages)
• 2 selected publications (links to publicly open URLs)
• Home page URL
• Name of potential faculty mentors at Cornell (max 2 names)

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent degree by the start of the fellowship.

The two programs are open for candidates whose mentors are faculty at the Cornell Tech campus (all departments) and the Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science (CS, IS, SDS) only. Mentor eligibility is not determined by field membership, but by department/campus affiliation.

Applicants are expected to reside where their faculty mentor is located (NYC or Ithaca).

The length of the program is two years. Initial appointments will be for one year, and are renewable for a second year.

The programs support only J-1 visas for international applicants. We are unable to support the fees involved with H1-B visas.

For full consideration, applications should be completed by December 15, 2026. We generally expect fellows to start their position during summer or early fall 2027, but earlier start dates are possible as well. We highly encourage early application. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.The portal will remain open after December 15, as we consider extending additional offers.

Because this is a rolling process that will run for an extended period of time, we will not be able to send notifications or updates. If you are in touch with a potential mentor at Cornell, please reach out to them with any questions. The process will conclude in June 2027, and at that point all standing applications should be considered as declined. Please do not email the program coordinators with questions about application status.

Applications for the position should be submitted at:

https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/33230">https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/33230

Employment Assistance:

For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor.

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
• Unique applicable skills.