Cornell University, Empire AI Fellows Program

Position ID:
Cornell-Empire AI Fellows Program-PDCS [#30971]
Position Title: 
Postdoctoral Fellow
Position Type:
Postdoctoral
Position Location:
New York, New York 10044, United States of America
Subject Area: 
Computer Science / Artificial intelligence and machine learning
Appl Deadline:
2025/11/20 11:59PMhelp popup (posted 2025/10/23)
Position Description:
   

Position Description

The Empire AI Fellows Program and the Foundational AI Fellows Program jointly invite applications for post-doctoral fellow positions. 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 fund 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 fund 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 
  • CV 
  • Research statement (around 2 pages) 
  • 2 selected publications (links to publicly open URLs) 
  • Home page URL 
  • Google Scholar or Semantic Scholar URL (optional)
  • Name of potential faculty mentors at Cornell (max 2 names; optional) 
  • 2 letters of references 
  • 1 letter of recommendation from a Cornell mentor (optional) 
IMPORTANT: the form asks for 2-3 letters, two of which must be your reference letters, and one should be the optional reference letter from your Cornell mentor. If you are not submitting a reference letter from a Cornell mentor, please submit only two letters. It is important that the letter from your Cornell mentor will clearly specify that they are writing this letter in the capacity of a future mentor.

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

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

For full consideration, applications should be completed by November 20, 2025. We generally expect fellows to start their position during summer or early fall 2026, but earlier start dates are possible as well. We highly encourage early application. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. 

Applications for the position should be submitted at https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30971


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.

Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Research statement
  • Two to three reference letters (to be submitted online by the reference writers on this site help popup)
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
https://www.cs.cornell.edu/
email address
 
Cornell Tech
2 West Loop Road
New York, NY 10044