Group Leader – Research Fellowship Sponsorship Scheme(UK visa sponsorship available

Job Description

About Us

The Research Department of Structural and Molecular Biology (SMB) at UCL is a world-leading centre for discovery and innovation at the interface of structural, computational, and chemical biology. Our research spans:

Gene expression & RNA biology

Protein folding, membranes & trafficking

Microbiology & synthetic biology

Metabolism, cancer & biological chemistry

Evolution, computational biology, AI & deep learning

More: SMB Research

About the Role

We are inviting Expressions of Interest from early-career researchers who wish to establish independent research groups at SMB through external fellowships. Suitable schemes include:

Wellcome Trust Career Development Award

MRC Career Development Award

CRUK Career Development Fellowship

ERC Starting Grant

Royal Society URF or Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship

EPSRC Open Fellowship

Other equivalent schemes

We particularly welcome research proposals in Engineering Biology, Integrative Biology (including Omics and Computational Biology), and Microbiology.

Our fellowship holders bring new directions and collaborations to SMB while developing their own independent careers. We run two selection rounds per year; this call closes on 13 October 2025.

About You

Applicants should:

Have an outstanding research track record relative to career stage.

Show clear potential to secure a major external fellowship.

Demonstrate how their proposed programme will enhance SMB’s portfolio.

Selection process:

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to give a seminar and attend an online interview on 11 November 2025.

Successful applicants will then visit SMB to meet staff, students, and fellows.

Eligibility:

Candidates must check they meet the criteria for their chosen fellowship(s).

Proof of right to work in the UK will be required before any fellowship appointment.

Application requirements:

Submit via email:

Short CV (with referees)

Two-page research vision or draft fellowship proposal

Cover letter outlining:

Fellowship scheme(s) targeted & proposed application timeline

Fit of the research within SMB

Details: SMB Fellowship Application Process

What We Offer

Successful fellowship candidates will receive:

Extensive application support (including mock interviews)

Laboratory & office space within SMB

Access to state-of-the-art equipment and PhD programmes

Tailored mentoring & professional development

A clear pathway towards permanent positions, with many past fellows securing long-term academic posts at SMB

For queries, contact: smb-fellowship@ucl.ac.uk

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

UCL is committed to building a diverse, fair, and inclusive community. We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in academia, including:

Black, Asian and minority ethnic researchers

Disabled researchers

LGBTQI+ researchers

Women (for Grade 9 and 10 roles)

The department holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award recognising our commitment to gender equality.