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

Job Description

About UCL and the Research Environment

University College London (UCL) is one of the world’s leading research-intensive universities, recognised globally for scientific excellence, innovation, and societal impact. UCL provides a highly supportive environment for early-career researchers, with strong institutional backing for external fellowship success and long-term academic career development.

The UK offers a globally competitive research ecosystem supported by national funding bodies and international mobility routes, including UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

About the Research Department of Structural and Molecular Biology

The Research Department of Structural and Molecular Biology (SMB) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence, known for pioneering interdisciplinary research that bridges structural, computational, chemical, and molecular biology.

SMB’s research spans biological scales and integrates diverse methodologies to tackle fundamental and applied questions in modern life sciences. Core research themes include:

• Gene expression and RNA biology
• Protein folding, membranes, and intracellular trafficking
• Microbiology and synthetic biology
• Metabolism, cancer, and biological chemistry
• Evolution, computational biology, artificial intelligence, and deep learning

The department fosters a collaborative, intellectually ambitious culture, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and close links across UCL’s life and medical sciences.

The Fellowship Sponsorship Opportunity

SMB invites Expressions of Interest from outstanding early-career researchers seeking institutional sponsorship for prestigious external research fellowships. Successful applicants will be supported to establish an independent research group within the department, following a tenure-track–like development pathway.

This scheme is designed to support researchers applying for competitive national and international fellowships, including (but not limited to):

• Wellcome Trust Career Development Awards
• Medical Research Council (MRC) Career Development Awards
• Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Career Development Fellowships
• ERC Starting Grants
• Royal Society University Research Fellowships
• Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowships
• EPSRC Open Fellowships
• UK public research funding operates within national frameworks overseen by bodies
• SMB runs two fellowship selection rounds per year. This call relates to the March 2026 round.

Research Focus Areas

Applications are welcomed across the breadth of Structural and Molecular Biology, with particular interest in proposals aligned with:

• Engineering Biology
• Microbiology
• Computational and AI-driven approaches in structural biology
• Machine learning and data integration in biological research
• Candidates are encouraged to bring original, ambitious research visions that complement and expand the department’s existing strengths.

Candidate Profile

Applicants should be early-career researchers with:

• An exceptional research track record appropriate to career stage
• Clear evidence of potential to secure highly competitive external fellowships
• A compelling, independent research vision
• The ability to thrive in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to deliver an online research seminar and attend a panel interview on Friday 24 April 2026.
• Selection Process and Next Steps

Successful candidates will be invited to visit the department in person, providing opportunities to:

• Meet academic staff, students, and current fellows
• Engage in focused discussions with potential collaborators and mentors
• Explore facilities and research infrastructure

Candidates must confirm their eligibility for their chosen fellowship schemes and provide evidence of the right to work in the UK prior to taking up any award.

Application Requirements

• Applicants should submit the following:
• Short academic CV, including referee details
• Two-page research vision or draft fellowship proposal

Cover letter outlining:

• Target fellowship scheme(s)
• Proposed application timeline
• Strategic fit with the SMB research portfolio
• Detailed guidance on the application process is available from the department.

What SMB Offers Successful Fellows

Researchers who secure a fellowship through this scheme will receive:

• Comprehensive support during fellowship preparation, including mock interviews
• Laboratory and office space within SMB
• Access to cutting-edge equipment, technical expertise, and research infrastructure
• Opportunities to supervise doctoral researchers across multiple four-year PhD programmes
• Tailored mentoring and professional development support

Fellows are fully embedded within a supportive academic community and are expected to develop into strong candidates for permanent academic positions. Historically, a significant proportion of SMB fellows have progressed to permanent roles within the department.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

UCL is committed to fostering an inclusive research culture where diverse perspectives drive creativity and innovation. We actively encourage applications from researchers who are underrepresented in academic science, including individuals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled researchers, LGBTQI+ researchers, and women (particularly at senior grades).

SMB holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising its sustained commitment to advancing gender equality. National guidance on equality in employment