Postdoctoral Fellows Program 

Advancing research in physical AI 

Purdue’s groundbreaking initiative, Purdue Computes, consists of four pillars (Computing, Physical Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductors and Quantum) that will connect faculty, researchers, and students from across the institution. With generous support from the Lilly Endowment, the Institute for Physical Artificial Intelligence (IPAI) invites applications for its IPAI Postdoctoral Fellows Program that will advance interdisciplinary research in physical artificial intelligence and establish next-generation leaders in this emerging field.  

Location: Purdue’s Main Campus  

Program description 

The Institute for Physical Artificial Intelligence will provide funding to support postdoctoral fellows whose innovative projects in artificial intelligence have the ability to make tangible impact on real-world problems in our physical environment. 

The IPAI Postdoctoral Fellows Program funds a postdoc full-time for 12 months, with potential renewal for another year dependent upon performance and program continuation. 

During this period, fellows undertake independent research projects with IPAI faculty mentors, participate in professional development activities, including activities through IPAI, and are required to submit annual reports on their accomplishments. Postdoctoral Fellows will select mentors from the list of IPAI faculty affiliates. 

The proposed research projects must advance core AI or interdisciplinary applications of AI in domains such as manufacturing, materials, semiconductors, quantum systems, urban infrastructure, life sciences and medicine, robotics, autonomy, etc. These projects are expected to lead to major funding programs, make significant scientific impact, and help the fellows achieve leadership in their respective disciplines.  

For more information, please review the Frequently Asked Questions.

Benefits  

Funded fellows will be full-time Purdue University staff and receive an annual salary of $70,000 plus benefits.

Participating postdocs will also receive $17,500 for professional development (e.g. attending conferences or workshops) and supplies.  

Eligibility 

Candidates for IPAI Fellows program must have: 

• Received a Ph.D. degree in a field related to artificial intelligence and its applications within the past five years. 
• A demonstrated track record of research contributions to artificial intelligence and its applications.  
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills. 

Application and submission process  

IPAI anticipates awarding up to eight (8) postdocs in fall of 2026.  The application is due July 31, 2026.

Applications should be submitted using the form here and should include the following information: 

• A cover letter expressing interest in the fellowship and identifying major research areas 
• Recommendation letters from two faculty members from among the list of IPAI faculty affiliates who would serve as the Fellow’s mentors.  
• A complete CV including education, employment history, and list of publications.  
• One page statement of research interests.  
• Names and contact information for three references.