Group Leader Research Fellowship Sponsorship Scheme at UCL
Job Description
About Us.
The Research Department of Structural and Molecular Biology at UCL, they call it SMB, stands out as a top spot for mixing structural stuff with computational and chemical biology in research. Pretty much, the goal there is to push forward how we get biology at different levels by pulling together all sorts of science methods and info.
Key areas they focus on include gene expression along with RNA biology. Then theres protein folding, membranes, and how things move around in cells. Microbiology and synthetic biology come into play too. Metabolism, cancer, and biological chemistry make up another part. Evolution ties in with computational biology, AI, and deep learning.
You can find more on their research through UCL Structural and Molecular Biology.
About the Role.
Theyre looking for expressions of interest from early career folks who want sponsorship for outside fellowships. These would let people set up their own research group in the SMB Department at UCL, kind of like a tenure track setup.
Fellowship options that fit include the Wellcome Trust Career Development Award. Theres the MRC Career Development Award as well. CRUK Career Development Fellowship works too. ERC Starting Grant is another one. Royal Society University Research Fellowship, and the Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship. EPSRC Open Fellowship rounds it out. Other national or international schemes that match count as well.
These fellows bring fresh ideas, some real drive, and a willingness to team up. They help steer new paths in Engineering Biology, Integrative Biology with omics and computational side, and Microbiology.
They run two selection rounds each year. For this one, the deadline hits on Monday, 13 October 2025 at 23:59 BST.
Check out more details at UCL Fellowship Scheme Information.
About You.
They want ambitious researchers who have an outstanding track record for where they are in their career. Folks need the potential to grab external funding for fellowships. Research focus should line up with what SMB does best.
If youre shortlisted, expect an invite to give a research seminar and do an online interview on Tuesday, 11 November 2025. Winners get to visit SMB, meet the staff, students, and group leaders.
On eligibility, candidates have to make sure they qualify for the fellowship schemes in question. Provide proof of right to work in the UK too, like in the GOV.UK Right to Work Guidance.
Application Process.
To apply, send over a short CV that includes your referees. Add a two-page research vision or a draft of the fellowship proposal. Include a cover letter that covers how your proposal fits the fellowship scheme or schemes you picked. Lay out your planned timeline for applying. Explain how your research fits with SMBs strategic focus.
More guidance on applying comes from UCL Fellowship Application Process.
What We Offer.
If you make it, youll get full support for prepping the fellowship, like mock interviews. They provide lab and office space, plus access to top equipment and facilities. You can supervise PhD students and work across fields. Mentoring and development help move you toward permanent academic spots.
A lot of past fellows have gone on to secure permanent positions at UCL or other big institutions.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.
UCL really pushes for a diverse and inclusive setup in academics. They especially want applications from people underrepresented, like Black, Asian, and minority ethnic researchers. Women for senior roles, disabled candidates, and LGBTQI+ folks too.
The department has an Athena SWAN Silver Award for their work on gender equality.
Find out more on UCLs EDI principles through GOV.UK Equality Act 2010 Overview.
