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

Job Description

About Us

The Research Department of Structural and Molecular Biology (SMB) at UCL is a globally recognised centre for life‑science discovery and innovation. We span a broad range of disciplines — from gene regulation and RNA biology to structural mechanisms, evolution, synthetic biology, and cutting‑edge computational science including AI‑driven modelling. We champion interdisciplinary approaches that unite chemistry, physics, biology, computation and engineering to answer fundamental questions and generate real‑world impact.

Discover more about our department 

Role Summary

We are inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from exceptional early career researchers who aspire to establish their own independent research group on a tenure‑track style fellowship at SMB.

This initiative is designed to support candidates in securing prestigious external fellowships that fund independent research at competitive international levels. Successful applicants will receive tailored support to prepare and submit highly competitive proposals.

Examples of supported fellowship schemes include:

• Wellcome Trust Career Development Award
• MRC Career Development Award
• CRUK Career Development Fellowship
• European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant
• Royal Society University Research Fellowship (URF)
• Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship
• EPSRC Open Fellowship
• Other similar schemes

Learn about competitive funding in the UK research landscape:
 UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) funding overview 

Who Should Apply

We welcome applications from candidates who:

• Have a strong emerging track record commensurate with their career stage
• Are passionate about developing an independent research agenda within the broad scope of structural and molecular biology
• Can demonstrate readiness to prepare competitive fellowship proposals

Priority research interests for this round include but are not limited to:

• Engineering and synthetic biology
• Microbiology and microbial systems
• Computational biology, machine learning approaches in structural biology

How the Scheme Works

This is a two‑stage competitive process:

Expression of Interest (EOI) — submissions close Monday 16 March 2026 (23:59 GMT).

Short‑listing & Interview — selected candidates will be invited to present a research seminar and take part in an interview with the Fellowship Panel online, scheduled for Friday 24 April 2026.

Short‑listed applicants will also be invited to visit the SMB department for informal discussions with faculty, current fellows, and research groups.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit the following:

• A concise CV including names of two referees.
• A two‑page research vision / draft fellowship proposal.

A cover letter that states:

• The fellowship schemes you intend to apply for
• Timeline for submission
• How your research goals align with those schemes and with the SMB research environment

Support & Opportunities

Successful applicants will receive:

• Preparation Resources
• Dedicated mentorship and support for writing fellowship applications
• Mock interviews and strategic guidance

Infrastructure & Integration

• Laboratory and office space within SMB
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities and technical expertise
• Opportunities to supervise PhD students and engage in teaching and collaboration networks

Career Development

We are committed to nurturing the next generation of research leaders. Fellows are encouraged to develop into strong candidates for long‑term positions either within UCL or at leading global institutions.

UK Visa & Immigration Support

For international applicants who require UK immigration permission, please note:

• You will need to confirm eligibility for relevant fellowship schemes and for working in the UK prior to start
• External fellowships often require independent visa sponsorship
• Important UK immigration guidance
  UK Visa Information
•  Skilled Worker & Global Talent Visa overview

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

UCL is London’s global university and is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where creativity and difference thrive. We actively encourage applications from groups that are currently under‑represented in academia, including but not limited to:

• Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates
• Disabled people
• LGBTQI+ individuals
• Women in senior research roles

The department proudly holds an Athena SWAN Silver award in recognition of its commitment to gender equality.