Sponsorship for Early Career Research Award
Job Description
Early Career Researcher Sponsorship Opportunity
Location: Cambridge Institute for Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Diseases (CITIID)
Deadline to Apply: 29 July 2025
Shortlisting Notification: By 11 August 2025
Visit Day (Seminar + Chalk Talk): 12 September 2025
Opportunity Overview
The Cambridge Institute for Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Diseases (CITIID) is inviting early career researchers in the fields of immunology or infectious diseases to apply for institutional sponsorship toward prestigious independent research fellowships, such as:
- Wellcome Trust Career Development Award
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Career Development Award
- European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant
Fellowship holders will be based at CITIID, either within the Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre or in the Molecular Immunity Unit of the University of Cambridge Department of Medicine, located in the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB).
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking to sponsor two outstanding early-career investigators who:
- Demonstrate a strong track record of scientific excellence
- Present innovative research proposals that align with and enhance CITIID’s current work
- Show a genuine commitment to collaboration and inclusive research culture
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to visit CITIID to present a seminar and participate in a chalk talk to outline their research vision. This transparent and inclusive selection process is designed to help us identify candidates whose science and values align with our institute’s mission.
What We Offer
Selected candidates will receive:
- Tailored mentorship and guidance to help shape and submit a compelling fellowship application
- Laboratory space and access to research facilities at CITIID for the duration of the award
- A local academic mentor to support career development
- Opportunities to supervise PhD and MPhil students
- Matched seed funding to support equipment or pilot work that enhances your proposal
About CITIID
Founded in 2019, CITIID is home to a vibrant community of around 300 scientists across ~25 research groups, working across three facilities on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. Our research spans:
- Immune responses in health and disease
- Host-pathogen interactions
- Autoimmunity and translational immunology
We work closely with NHS clinicians, industry partners, and international collaborators—particularly in Africa and Asia—to advance global health. Our main base at the Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre includes cutting-edge facilities, such as a containment level 3 laboratory.
How to Apply
Please submit:
- Your CV
- A cover letter (maximum 3 pages), including:
- A brief research proposal
- Your suitability for the opportunity
- Your alignment with CITIID’s research themes
Email applications to:
Dimple Patel – dp692@medschl.cam.ac.uk
Informal enquiries welcome:
Prof Menna Clatworthy, Director of CITIID – mrc38@medschl.cam.ac.uk
Important Dates
- Application deadline: 29 July 2025
- Shortlisting notification: by 11 August 2025
- Visit day (seminar + chalk talk): 12 September 2025
Equality and Immigration
The University of Cambridge is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse academic environment and welcomes applications from all backgrounds, including those underrepresented in academia.
The University must ensure all employees have the right to live and work in the UK, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.
Check if you need a visa – GOV.UK
Join CITIID and take the next step in launching your independent research career at one of the world’s leading centres for immunology and infectious disease research.
