Research Fellow in Energy and Transport Modelling(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Automotive Jobs
Uk
January 5, 2026
Full Time Permanent
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Job Description

About the Fellowship Opportunity

The Department of Cell and Developmental Biology (CDB) at University College London (UCL) invites Expressions of Interest from ambitious early career researchers seeking departmental sponsorship for prestigious external research fellowships. These fellowships provide a structured, tenure-track pathway to establishing an independent research group at UCL.

This call is designed for researchers who are ready to transition to research independence and who aim to compete successfully for nationally and internationally funded fellowship schemes in biological and biomedical sciences.

About the Department

UCL is consistently recognised as one of the world’s leading research universities and is ranked 9th globally for Biological Sciences (QS World University Rankings 2026). The Department of Cell and Developmental Biology sits within the Division of Biosciences and offers a vibrant, collaborative research environment with access to world-class scientific infrastructure and shared technology platforms.

CDB research spans a broad spectrum, including:

  • Cell and developmental biology
  • Stem cell and regenerative biology
  • Neuroscience and neural development
  • Organelle biology and cell signalling
  • Functional and evolutionary morphology

The department maintains close collaborative links with leading institutions such as the Francis Crick Institute, the Natural History Museum, and the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, enabling fellows to work across institutional boundaries.

Research Focus and Strategic Fit

We welcome proposals addressing fundamental biological questions using innovative, interdisciplinary, or technology-driven approaches. Applications may align with any area of cell or developmental biology or closely related fields.

Particular interest will be given to candidates whose work complements activity within UCL’s Centre for Engineering Life, especially in areas such as:

Synthetic developmental biology

Quantitative biology

  • Novel machine learning or AI approaches applied to biological systems
  • Experience or interest in teaching cell biology, developmental biology, and/or anatomy will be viewed positively.
  • Fellowship Pathway and Career Development

Successful candidates will be supported through a structured fellowship sponsorship process, including:

  • Tailored mentorship from senior faculty
  • Feedback on proposal development
  • Mock interviews and application workshops

Researchers who secure external fellowship funding will receive:

  • Integration into the Biosciences Fellowship Network
  • Assignment of an academic mentor
  • Access to internal funding and research support
  • Opportunities to recruit PhD students
  • Long-term career development support
  • Fellows are formally reviewed for a permanent academic appointment approximately one year prior to the end of their fellowship.

This approach aligns with UK government priorities to strengthen research careers and research leadership pipelines

Eligible Fellowship Schemes

CDB supports applications to a wide range of prestigious external fellowships, including but not limited to:

  • Wellcome Trust Career Development Awards
  • UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships
  • MRC Career Development Awards
  • CRUK Career Development Fellowships
  • ERC Starting Grants
  • Royal Society University Research Fellowships
  • Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowships
  • EPSRC Open Fellowships

These schemes align with national research funding frameworks overseen by UK Research and Innovation:

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-research-and-innovation

About You

You will be an early career researcher of exceptional calibre with:

  • A strong and growing publication record relative to career stage
  • Clear potential to establish an independent research programme
  • A compelling fellowship proposal aligned with departmental strengths
  • The ambition to compete successfully for external funding
  • Shortlisted candidates will be invited to deliver a departmental seminar and meet with academic staff (in person or online).

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit one combined PDF document by email (do not use online application portals) containing:

  • A full academic CV, including referee details
  • A one-page outline of the proposed fellowship project (with title)

A cover letter outlining:

  • Fellowship scheme(s) of interest
  • Proposed application timeline
  • Strategic fit with CDB

Please note: Applications submitted via any online “Apply Now” system will not be considered.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

UCL is committed to creating an inclusive research culture where diverse perspectives drive innovation and excellence. We actively encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in academia, including candidates from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ individuals, and women at senior academic grades.

The department holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising sustained progress in advancing gender equality.

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