University of Pennsylvania Research Fellowship 2026 in USA

The University of Pennsylvania’s UPIASI is recruiting two Research Fellows. This program partners with Microsoft Research India on AI development. Fellows work on artificial intelligence improving health and education outcomes. The positions specifically target recent graduates planning future PhD study. Both roles combine academic research with real-world technology deployment. Fellows are based at Microsoft Research’s Bengaluru office throughout.

Program Snapshot

• Host Institutions: UPenn Institute for Advanced Study of India, Microsoft Research India
• Location: Bengaluru, India, with field travel to Rajasthan and Delhi
• Duration: Two years, pre-doctoral appointment
• Positions Available: Two complementary roles
• Application Deadline: Rolling basis, no fixed date

Focus Areas

• AI-powered healthcare communication training
• Spoken English education technology for classrooms
• Entertainment media’s influence on social norms
• Field-based deployment and evaluation of AI tools

About the Program

This fellowship takes a distinctly field-first approach to AI research. Rather than lab-only development, tools get tested in real communities. The team co-designs AI systems alongside local partners and institutions. They then deploy these tools under genuine, real-world conditions. Finally, researchers evaluate outcomes against existing alternatives people currently use. This ensures technologies remain culturally appropriate and genuinely sustainable long-term.

The Two Positions

One role focuses on field research, evaluation, and data analysis. This position suits candidates from economics, public policy, or statistics backgrounds. The second role centers on technical AI tool development and deployment. It suits candidates from computer science, engineering, or data science fields. Applicants may express interest in either position, or both together.

Research Projects Involved

Fellows may contribute to Samvaad, supporting India’s frontline health workers. Another project, developed with AIIMS New Delhi, improves clinical communication training. Bolo focuses on AI speaking partners for low-income classrooms nationally. Finally, Kahani examines how entertainment media shapes social norms broadly.

Who Can Apply

Field research candidates should hold degrees in economics or related fields. Strong experience with randomized controlled trials proves particularly valuable here. Technical candidates need computer science, engineering, or data science backgrounds. Programming ability and comfort with real-world deployment matter significantly. Both roles specifically target graduates intending future doctoral study.

Compensation

Compensation remains competitive, benchmarked against Microsoft Research India standards. Fellows also receive full access to Microsoft Research’s institutional resources.

How to Apply

Complete the official UPenn and Microsoft Research application form online.

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Conclusion

This fellowship offers an exceptional pre-doctoral pathway for graduates seeking hands-on experience at the genuine intersection of AI, social science, and international development. Its combination of prestigious institutional backing and real-world field deployment makes it especially valuable for future PhD applicants. Since applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, interested candidates should prepare tailored materials and apply as early as possible.

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