The University of Chicago Data Science Institute Postdoctoral Scholars Program 2026 is now open. Applications opened on 23 September 2026; review begins on 16 November 2026 and continues until all positions are filled. The program supports postdoctoral researchers using data science and artificial intelligence to advance foundational, interdisciplinary and applied research.
UChicago DSI Postdoctoral Scholars 2026: Current Status
| Program | Data Science Institute Postdoctoral Scholars Program |
|---|---|
| Institution | University of Chicago Data Science Institute (DSI) |
| Location | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Status | OPEN / ROLLING |
| Applications opened | 23 September 2026 |
| Review begins | 16 November 2026 |
| Closing date | No fixed final date currently published; review continues until positions are filled |
| International applicants | Eligible |
| Teaching responsibilities | None |
| Contact | data-science@uchicago.edu |
| Last verified | 6 October 2026 |
Program Overview
The University of Chicago Data Science Institute invites postdoctoral scholars to pursue original research in data science and artificial intelligence. The program is designed for researchers who want to advance data-science theory, methods, systems or applications while working in an interdisciplinary environment.
DSI sits within a broad research ecosystem that includes University of Chicago departments and institutes as well as connections with Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago.
2026 Information Session
| Date | 5 November 2026 |
|---|---|
| Time | 3:00 PM CST |
| Host | DSI Executive Director David Uminsky |
| Purpose | Live information session about the Data Science Postdoctoral Scholars Program |
Research Scope and DSI Initiatives
Applicants may propose foundational or interdisciplinary data-science research and are not restricted to one narrow academic discipline. DSI explicitly welcomes researchers using data science to advance work across areas such as the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and physical sciences.
Applicants may optionally indicate interest in one of the main DSI research initiatives currently highlighted by the program:
| AI+Science | AI and data-science approaches that accelerate scientific discovery |
|---|---|
| Data & Democracy | Research connecting data, institutions, policy and democratic systems |
| AI for Climate | AI and data-driven approaches for climate and environmental challenges |
| Data Ecology | Research on data systems, infrastructures and responsible data ecosystems |
| Novel Intelligence | Research on emerging forms and theories of intelligence |
Eligibility Requirements
| PhD requirement | All requirements for a PhD must be completed by the time of appointment |
|---|---|
| Application limit | Applicants may submit only one application |
| Research profile | Applicants should use data science to advance the state of the art in their field |
| Relevant background | Experience or coursework in computer science, statistics, data science, AI or a related field is considered in evaluation |
| International applicants | Eligible |
| Disciplinary background | Broad; suitable applicants may come from humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, physical sciences and other fields using rigorous data-science methods |
Salary, Research Support and Program Benefits
The current DSI call describes the positions as carrying a competitive salary, generous research funding allowances and benefits. It does not publish one fixed salary figure on the current program page, so applicants should not rely on salary numbers from older CareerAidHub versions or previous hiring cycles.
| Salary | Competitive; current public program page does not state a fixed dollar amount |
|---|---|
| Research funding | Generous research funding allowances |
| Benefits | Included with the postdoctoral appointment |
| Independent research | Majority of time devoted to scholar-driven research |
| Teaching | No teaching responsibilities |
| Mentorship | Single or joint mentorship options with UChicago researchers |
| Professional development | Communication, workplace culture, outreach, media engagement and funding-development experience |
| Data access | Opportunities to work with large-scale and distinctive datasets |
Scholars also participate in mentoring and outreach through DSI Summer Lab and Clinic programs for three quarters annually and may take leadership roles in DSI initiatives and community activities.
Required Application Materials
| Document | Current Requirement |
|---|---|
| Curriculum vitae | Academic / research CV |
| Current research summary | 250 words |
| Research statement | Maximum 3 pages, excluding references; should cover research goals and significance, research plan, and motivation for a UChicago postdoctoral appointment |
| Representative work | 1–2 publications or manuscripts |
| References | Names and contact information for at least 2 and up to 5 referees; application is complete only after 2 reference letters are received |
| Potential mentors | Names of up to 3 UChicago faculty mentors |
| Research initiative interest | Optional |
| Faculty collaboration letter | Optional; may be supplied by a UChicago faculty member willing to mentor the applicant if selected |
Choosing Potential UChicago Mentors
Applicants may list up to three potential University of Chicago faculty mentors. They are not limited to one department; potential mentors can come from anywhere within UChicago if their research aligns with the applicant’s agenda.
A faculty collaboration letter is optional, not mandatory. Its purpose is simply to indicate that a UChicago faculty member would be willing to work with the applicant if the applicant is admitted to the program.
How Applications Are Evaluated
The DSI Postdoctoral Committee evaluates applications using three main dimensions:
| Research potential & alignment | Research excellence, academic progress, publications, recommendations, long-term goals and relevance to DSI initiatives or projects |
|---|---|
| Data-science background | Experience or coursework in computer science, statistics, data science, AI or related fields |
| Impact | Potential to advance foundational or interdisciplinary data science, methods, theory or real-world applications |
How to Apply
- Confirm your PhD timeline: all PhD requirements must be completed by appointment.
- Define your research direction: identify the core data-science contribution and why UChicago DSI is a strong setting.
- Identify up to three potential UChicago mentors.
- Prepare the 250-word current-research summary.
- Prepare the maximum three-page research statement excluding references.
- Select one or two representative publications or manuscripts.
- Contact at least two referees early: two letters must arrive before the application is complete.
- Optionally indicate interest in a DSI research initiative and obtain an optional faculty collaboration letter where useful.
- Submit through the official UChicago application system.
- Submit early: review begins 16 November 2026 and continues until positions are filled.
CareerAidHub Applicant Guidance
The following points are application strategy, not additional UChicago eligibility rules.
- Lead with the data-science contribution: explain what method, theory, system or application your work advances.
- Do not force an initiative match: initiative interest is optional; choose one only when the alignment is substantive.
- Use mentor names strategically: list faculty whose work clearly complements your proposed agenda.
- Make the three-page statement specific: state the research question, expected methodological contribution, likely datasets or systems and why UChicago is the right environment.
- Prioritize reference-letter timing: your application is not complete until two letters are submitted.
- Avoid stale salary claims: use the current official description—competitive salary, research funding allowances and benefits—unless a specific appointment document provides a current dollar figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UChicago DSI Postdoctoral Scholars Program open?
Yes. Applications opened on 23 September 2026. Review begins on 16 November 2026 and continues until all positions are filled.
Is there a fixed application deadline?
No fixed final closing date is currently published. The official program states that review begins on 16 November 2026 and continues until positions are filled.
Can international researchers apply?
Yes. The official DSI FAQ confirms that international applicants are eligible.
Must the PhD be completed before applying?
The current eligibility rule requires all PhD requirements to be completed by the time of appointment. The program does not state that the degree must already be completed on the application date.
Is teaching required?
No. DSI states that scholars have no teaching responsibilities and spend the majority of their time on independent research.
How much is the salary?
The current program page describes a competitive salary, generous research funding allowances and benefits but does not publish one fixed current salary amount.
Is a UChicago faculty collaboration letter required?
No. The collaboration letter is optional. Applicants may include one from a UChicago faculty member who is willing to mentor them if selected.
How many reference letters are required?
Applicants provide contact information for at least two and up to five referees. The application is complete only after two reference letters have been received.
Official Sources
| Status | OPEN / ROLLING |
|---|---|
| Applications opened | 23 September 2026 |
| Review begins | 16 November 2026 |
| Closing date | Until positions are filled |
| International applicants | Eligible |
| Last verified | 6 October 2026 |
