Call for Proposals: AI in Biology Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bangalore is pleased to invite applications for the AI in Biology Postdoctoral Fellowship Program.

This fellowship is designed to train and support scientists interested in applying Artificial intelligence (AI) to advance their scientific research in the area of Natural Sciences, with a focus on solving biological problems. This is a 1 year Fellowship at NCBS, Bangalore preceded by a linked 1 year fellowship at Imperial College London, providing fellows with a valuable opportunity to collaborate with world-class researchers and gain international exposure. Candidates are required to apply at both the Imperial and NCBS. Details of how to apply at Imperial can be found at: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/jobs/search-jobs/description/index.php?jobId=...

A strong background in AI is not a prerequisite. Applicants should demonstrate a clear interest in incorporating AI into their research and a willingness to build the necessary skills during the fellowship.

We encourage motivated postdoctoral researchers from diverse scientific disciplines (including life sciences, computational sciences, mathematics, physics, chemistry etc.) to apply and be part of this interdisciplinary and collaborative initiative.

What’s Included

  • While at NCBS, fellows will be provided a Monthly fellowship of INR 125000 per month (consolidated).

  • Additional funding support of INR 500000 will be provided towards research-related expenses, contingency and travel to conferences and international scientific events.

  • Mentorship and training in AI applications relevant to scientific research.

Eligibility

The essential requirements for this post are as follows:

  • Ph.D in any STEM discipline
  • An outstanding research record commensurate with their level of experience as demonstrated, for example, through an outstanding thesis, publications, conference presentations, code etc.

Application process at NCBS:

The application package should consist of the following:

  • Your latest CV

  • PDF versions of 1-3 first-author publications.

  • At least 2 letters of references (e-mailed directly to acadoffice at ncbs dot res dot in )

  • Research Proposal Lay Summary: a 1 page or less, summary of the proposed research. Particular attention will be paid to this summary. It should answer the question of why/how this application of AI will be transformative for the target area of science.

  • Details of Fellowship Supervisor: The proposal should mention the applicant’s proposed fellowship supervisor at NCBS and at least one mentor at Imperial College London. Mentors must be contacted in advance of the application.

  • Research Proposal: A 3 pages proposal that explains why and how the proposed research could be transformative for a particular area of science. It can be structured around background, hypotheses/aims, work approach, and plans for future work and relevance to the area of research.

  • Fit to AI in Science Remit: a 1 page or less outline of how your proposal fits within the AI in Science remit.

Evaluation Criteria:

A committee comprising faculty from NCBS, Bangalore and Imperial College London will review applications and shortlist candidates. The committee will assess the candidate’s scientific background and qualifications, as well as the scientific and technological merit and originality of the proposed project.

If you have any queries about the program, please contact acadoffice at ncbs dot res dot in

Closing date: 24th September 2025.