WASP-HS Postdoctoral Scholarships at Stanford University

in collaboration with HAI

Application deadline: 16 November 2026

WASP-HS invites applications for postdoctoral scholarships, which would begin in September 2027. The goal of the scholarship program is to provide postdoctoral fellows with the opportunity to grow into independent investigators, experience new research environments, and expand their international networks. These scholarships will enable promising researchers who have recently obtained their doctorates at a Swedish university to spend one to two years at Stanford University. Postdoctoral fellows will be affiliated with Stanford’s Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) and a suitable host department. Following the postdoctoral stint abroad, there is an opportunity to receive funding from the Wallenberg Foundation to support a research position at a Swedish university for up to two years if the fellow cannot find another position.

We welcome applicants from all disciplines!

Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program – Humanity and Society (WASP-HS)

WASP-HS fosters novel interdisciplinary knowledge about AI and autonomous systems and their impact on humanity and society. WASP-HS enables cutting-edge research, expertise, and capacity building in the social sciences and humanities.

Applicants should propose a project that

· uses a social science and/or humanities approach to investigate questions about the consequences of AI and/or autonomous systems for society and/or humanity, or

· investigates how social science and/or humanities knowledge contributes to the development of AI and autonomous systems.

Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI)

HAI’s mission is to advance AI research, education, policy, and practice to improve the human condition. The institute is committed to promoting human-centered AI aimed at benefiting society broadly, ensuring AI applications align with Stanford’s values of fairness, professionalism, and responsibility.

Scholarship conditions

Postdoctoral fellows will receive a stipend for one to two years of postdoctoral research. The stipend amounts to approximately USD 70,000 annually (the final amount will be set in accordance with the standard rate of each host institution). A travel grant of USD 7,500 per year and an annual allowance for accompanying family members of USD 15,000 will be provided. Fellows will also receive Stanford’s standard health insurance for postdocs. The stipend cannot be combined with other stipends or positions.

At the conclusion of each year of the scholarship, the fellows are required to submit a progress report to the Foundation and to WASP-HS.

Following the postdoctoral stint abroad, there is an opportunity to receive funding from the Wallenberg Foundation to support a research position at a Swedish university for up to two years if the fellows cannot find another position.

Eligibility

To apply for a postdoctoral scholarship, you must fulfill the following criteria:

– Have received a doctoral degree from a Swedish university no more than two years before the starting date of the postdoctoral position

– Have a connection to a Swedish university or corresponding non-profit research organization

– Cannot have been employed or a scholar at Stanford prior to the postdoctoral position

Application and submission

Applications should be submitted in English via the Wallenberg Foundation’s electronic application portal: https://kawansokan.wallenberg.org

Once in the portal, create a new user account. Select the “KAW stipend” tab at the top and then “Stanford Postdoctoral Fellowship.”

Fill in the forms in each of the tabs of the application. Be sure to fill in “dissertation date” in tab 5 (“Exams”). If you have not yet defended your dissertation at the time of applying, attach a letter from your doctoral supervisor stating your expected defense date in “Other appendices” in tab 10 (“Attachments”).

In tab 10 (“Attachments”), submit the following documents:

– Your curriculum vitae, which should include a list of publications.

– Personal letter (max 1 A4 page or 3 500 characters, including spaces).

– Planned research program. This should be a description of the proposed research project, including deliverables (max 6 A4 pages and 21 000 characters, including spaces).

– Two separate letters of support with comments on the proposed research project. Members of the WASP-HS Management Team may not submit letters of support.

– Under “Other appendices” please include an invitation letter from the intended host.

– Contrary to the instructions in the portal, you do not need to include a description of the research profile of the intended host and supervisor.

Please note that a budget is not required since the scholarship amount will be fixed. Instead, attach a document confirming whether or not you intend to apply for the accompanying family member allowance.

Applications must be received no later than 16 November 2026.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please note you may only apply for one of the Foundation’s postdoctoral scholarships.

Review criteria

Applications will be reviewed based on the following criteria:

– Applicant’s scientific record and potential to develop into an independent investigator

– Quality, originality, and significance of the proposed research project

– Relevance to the WASP-HS program

– Feasibility of the proposed research project

Top-ranked candidates will be interviewed during January 14-22, 2027.

Questions about the WASP-HS postdoctoral scholarship conditions and application process can be directed to contact@wasp-hs.org.