Group Leader Research Fellowship Sponsorship Scheme at UCL(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Build Your Independent Research Career at UCL

The Research Department of Structural and Molecular Biology (SMB) at UCL is inviting Expressions of Interest from ambitious early career researchers seeking sponsorship for prestigious external fellowships.

This scheme is designed to support outstanding scientists to secure competitive funding and establish their own independent research group within a globally recognised department. Our approach mirrors a tenure-track pathway: fellows are embedded in a supportive academic environment with the expectation that they will grow into future leaders.

About Structural & Molecular Biology at UCL

SMB is internationally recognised for research that bridges structural, computational and chemical biology. We combine interdisciplinary thinking with advanced technologies to address biological questions across multiple scales.

Our core research themes include:

• Gene expression and RNA biology
• Protein folding, membrane biology and trafficking
• Microbiology and synthetic/engineering biology
• Metabolism, cancer and biological chemistry
• Evolution, computational biology, AI and deep learning

We particularly welcome proposals aligned with:

• Engineering Biology
• Microbiology
• Computational Methods & Machine Learning in Structural Biology
• The Fellowship Sponsorship Opportunity

We support applications to major UK and international funding bodies, including (but not limited to):

• Wellcome Trust Career Development Award
• MRC Career Development Award
• Cancer Research UK Career Development Fellowship
• ERC Starting Grant
• Royal Society University Research Fellowship
• Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship
• EPSRC Open Fellowship

Candidates must independently confirm eligibility criteria for their chosen scheme via the relevant funder’s guidance and UK research governance requirements UKRI funding overview

• Two selection rounds are held annually. The deadline for this round is Monday 16 March 2026.

Shortlisted applicants will:

• Deliver a research seminar
• Attend an online panel interview (24 April 2026)
• Be invited to visit the department for informal discussions with faculty and fellows

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking researchers who demonstrate:

• An exceptional academic track record appropriate to career stage
• Clear evidence of research independence and originality
• Strong potential to secure competitive external funding
• A compelling research vision aligned with SMB strengths

Applicants should ensure they meet right-to-work requirements in the UK before commencement of any fellowship right to work guidance

Where applicable, fellows entering the UK may require a visa. Most schemes are compatible with the Global Talent visa route Global Talent visa information

Application Requirements

Please submit:

• A short academic CV (including referees)
• A two-page research vision or draft fellowship proposal

A cover letter outlining:

• The fellowship scheme(s) targeted
• Application timeline
• Strategic fit with SMB
• Long-term research ambitions
• Full process details are available on the department website.

Support You Can Expect

SMB provides structured and practical support throughout the fellowship process and beyond:

Before Submission

• Detailed feedback on proposals
• Mock interviews and panel preparation
• Strategic mentorship from senior academics

After Fellowship Award

Successful fellows receive:

• Laboratory and office space
• Access to cutting-edge facilities and technical expertise
• Opportunities to recruit PhD students through structured doctoral training programmes
• Bespoke mentoring and leadership development
• Integration into a collaborative and interdisciplinary network

We expect fellows to develop into strong candidates for permanent academic posts. A significant proportion of our former fellows have progressed into long-term positions within SMB or at other leading institutions.

Research Governance & Compliance

All research must comply with UK standards for research integrity and governance UK Research Integrity Office guidance

Where projects involve biological materials, GM organisms, or bioengineering applications, compliance with relevant UK biosafety and regulatory frameworks will be required Health and Safety Executive biosafety guidance

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity strengthens science. SMB is committed to creating an inclusive academic environment where talent from all backgrounds can thrive.

We particularly encourage applications from researchers currently underrepresented in UK academia, including:

• Black, Asian and minority ethnic researchers
• Disabled scientists
• LGBTQI+ researchers
• Women at senior academic levels
• Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.
• Information on UK equality legislation

Why Apply?

This scheme is more than sponsorship — it is a partnership. You will join a department that values collaboration, intellectual independence and long-term career development.

If you are ready to transition from promising early career researcher to independent group leader within a world-class structural and molecular biology environment, we encourage you to apply.