Applications are open for the Perplexity Research Fellowship 2027. Perplexity says great work starts when smart people with different views solve the biggest problems together. That is why they created this AI fellowship. They welcome early-career researchers, engineers, and analysts from any technical or math-based field to help grow AI research.
They want to push the edge of AI research with bold new ideas. This work covers multi-agent planning, continual learning, pre-training, human-AI interaction, work across fields, and more. If you want to help build the next wave of AI systems, apply.
Fellows join full time, and top performers may move into full-time research roles.
Program Tracks
- Track A: Predoctoral Research Fellow — For top early-career talent in technical or math-based fields.
- Track B: Postdoctoral Research Fellow — For researchers who have recently earned a PhD in a technical or math-based field.
Benefits
- $180,000 yearly base pay for predoctoral fellows and $220,000 for postdoctoral fellows.
- Full benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Perplexity may offer immigration and visa sponsorship support, based on each case.
Criteria
They want top early-career people with new views from fields outside classic AI research. They are looking for:
- Logical thinkers with strong math skills and a proven ability to solve hard problems in their field.
- Experts in technical or math-based fields who know how people work, think, and look for information in their area.
- Strong depth in your chosen field, such as physics, cognitive science, quantitative finance, theoretical math, or another rigorous math-based field.
- Curious researchers who are eager to use their skills in new areas and learn fast.
- Strong communicators who can explain hard ideas clearly and work well with teams across fields.
- A clear drive to build useful AI systems, even if you are new to AI.
Application
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Submissions received by September 30, 2026 get priority. The application stays open until the roles are filled. If accepted, you should begin within 8 weeks.
For more info, visit Perplexity Research Fellowship.
Deadline: September 30, 2026
Q&A
Question: Who is the Perplexity Research Fellowship 2027 for?
Short answer: It is for early-career researchers, engineers, and analysts from technical or math-based fields. It is especially good for people outside classic AI research who still bring strong problem-solving, technical depth, curiosity, and a desire to build useful AI.
Question: What is the difference between Track A and Track B?
Short answer: Track A is the predoctoral path for early-career talent in technical or math-based fields. Track B is the postdoctoral path for researchers who have recently earned a PhD in a technical or math-based field.
Question: Is prior AI research experience required to apply?
Short answer: No. The text says you may be new to AI, but you should show technical skill, strong problem-solving, curiosity, clear communication, and a real drive to build useful AI systems.
Question: What pay and support do fellows get?
Short answer: Predoctoral fellows get a $180,000 yearly base salary, and postdoctoral fellows get $220,000. Fellows also get health, dental, and vision insurance, plus possible immigration and visa sponsorship support.
Question: When should applicants apply?
Short answer: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but early submissions by September 30, 2026 get priority. The fellowship stays open until spots are filled, and accepted fellows should start within 8 weeks.
