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Northwestern University AI 4Energy Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

Accepting Nominations

The Northwestern University AI 4Energy Postdoctoral Fellowship represents a strategic investment in the convergence of AI, nanotechnology, and energy science, cultivating a new generation of researchers to tackle some of the most urgent technological challenges. A joint initiative of the Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy and the International Institute for Nanotechnology (IIN), the fellowship is designed to support exceptional early-career researchers conducting interdisciplinary research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, nanoscience and nanotechnology, and energy-relevant materials and systems.

Fellows will pursue independent research under the mentorship of two Northwestern faculty co-advisors, bridging expertise in AI/machine learning, nanomaterials, and domain-focused energy science. Recent PhD-level nominees from across relevant fields, including materials science, chemistry, engineering, computer science, and applied physics, will be considered. As part of a broader regional innovation ecosystem, the program encourages collaborations across Northwestern and with external partners, including Argonne National Laboratory.

Mission and Research Focus

The AI 4 Energy Fellowship program builds on Northwestern’s history of excellence as a global leader in applying AI and nanotechnology to advance scientific discovery in energy. Fellows will pursue interdisciplinary, high-impact research that integrates computational innovation with experimental and applied energy domains. Proposals may span AI-enabled materials, nanotechnology and energy systems, and research aligned with key national and industrial needs will receive priority consideration. These core research areas include:

  • Materials for extreme environments: Robust materials capable of withstanding extreme heat, pressure, and corrosion for enhanced geothermal systems and next-generation nuclear energy.
  • Critical minerals and materials: AI-driven approaches to separation science, including electrochemical and membrane-based extraction of rare earth elements and lithium from unconventional resources.
  • Energy storage: Next-generation battery materials and architectures for grid-scale applications and high-demand computing infrastructure.
  • Megalibrary development: New methods and tools for the synthesis, characterization, and AI integration of nanomaterial megalibraries related to the core research areas.

Fellowship Structure and Mentorship Model

A defining feature of the AI 4Energy Fellowship is its interdisciplinary, co-advisory approach. Two Northwestern tenure-track faculty members will jointly mentor each fellow, ensuring integration of:

  • AI/machine learning/computational methods, and
  • Domain expertise in energy, materials science, nanoscience, and/or chemical systems.

This model promotes deep collaboration across disciplines and provides fellows with both intellectual breadth and depth.

Community and Program Experience

In addition to research support, the AI 4Energy Fellowship provides a cohort experience that promotes collaboration and visibility.

  • Cohort model: The program will include approximately 12 fellows, forming a cross-disciplinary community.
  • Scientific programming: Fellows will participate in bi-monthly workshops and research presentations.
  • Fellow leadership: Fellows will have opportunities to organize symposia and contribute to program direction.
  • Digital presence: Dedicated web features will highlight fellows and their research contributions.
    Institutional recognition: Fellows will be recognized as Northwestern AI-4Energy Fellows, part of a highly visible institutional initiative.

Award and Support

Fellowships are awarded for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of renewal based on mutual interest. AI 4Energy Fellows will receive:

  • Annual stipend: $75,000, plus benefits
  • Travel support: $2,000 per year for conferences and scientific meetings
  • Relocation allowance: Up to $3,000 (one-time)

Application and Nomination Process

Nominations must be submitted by Northwestern tenure-track faculty. Self-nominations are not permitted.

Required Materials:

  • A completed nomination form
  • A formal nomination letter co-signed by the two sponsoring faculty members, describing the candidate’s qualifications for the fellowship
  • The nominee’s current, full CV
  • A one-page research proposal outlining the proposed research and its impact in the areas listed above

Applications will be reviewed starting July 20, 2026, by a joint committee of the Trienens Institute and the IIN. Submit nomination packages via email to: ai4energy@northwestern.edu. 

Learn More or Submit a Nomination 

To request a nomination form, submit a nomination package, or request additional information, email ai4energy@northwestern.edu.