At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a vibrant community of postdoctoral researchers and contribute to academic life at Churchill College.
- Company: Churchill College, part of the University of Cambridge, known for its collaborative research environment.
- Benefits: Access to dining, sports, music facilities, and research expenses up to £1000 p.a.
- Other info: Opportunities for undergraduate teaching and a focus on sustainability in STEM disciplines.
- Why this job: Enhance your academic career while mentoring students and engaging in innovative research.
- Qualifications: Must hold a postdoctoral position with at least two years of tenure.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Each year Churchill College appoints around 16 Postdoctoral By-Fellows from the community of postdoctoral researchers of the University of Cambridge and its associated research institutes. The appointments are for up to three years. There is no stipend attached to these By-Fellowships, and no entitlement to accommodation in College. The duration of a Post-Doctoral By-Fellowship is 3 years, conditional on continuing employment in the University.
Postdoctoral By-Fellows contribute to a significant community of postdocs among the Churchill Fellowship (around 60 in all, including Early Career Research Fellows and Teaching By-Fellows as well as Postdoctoral By-Fellows). They are full members of the Senior Common Room with generous dining rights, access to sports and music facilities, and varied opportunities for participation in the academic and social life of the College. Research expenses can be claimed up to £1000 p.a. The positions involve no formal teaching requirement, although it is hoped that appointees will participate in mentoring postgraduate students or contribute to the College’s academic mission in other ways. Opportunities for undergraduate teaching may be available in some subjects. Two By-Fellowships will be reserved for candidates in STEM disciplines who can demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and express a willingness to continue that mission in College, for which a further £1000 honorarium is available.
Criteria
Applications are welcome in any subject. Applicants must hold a salaried postdoctoral position or personal fellowship in the University or one of its associated research institutes, with tenure for at least two years from the date of application. Appointments are made on the basis of academic distinction and potential contribution to the academic community at Churchill College.
Joint Application Scheme for Early Career Research Fellowships (ECRFs)
Churchill College, Clare College, Murray Edwards College, Robinson College & Trinity Hall: Joint Application Scheme for Early Career Research Fellowships. Eight Early Career Research Fellowships are being offered this year by the five colleges. The Fellowships are normally tenable for three years and are open to graduates of any University who have recently completed their doctorate or are close to completion. These Fellowships are intended to be early (first or second) post-doctoral positions appropriate to the start of an academic career. The administration of the Scheme is conducted by the Fellowship Administrator at Churchill College.
Applications can now be made at the following link. Deadline for applications is Monday 10 November 2025 at 5pm.
Fellowship Administrator
Churchill College
Storey’s Way
Cambridge
CB3 0DS
Postdoctoral By-Fellowships in Cambridge employer: Churchill College Cambridge
Churchill College offers an exceptional environment for Postdoctoral By-Fellows, fostering a vibrant academic community with access to extensive resources and facilities. With opportunities for mentoring and participation in the College's social and academic life, fellows can thrive in their research while enjoying generous dining rights and support for research expenses. Located in the historic city of Cambridge, this role provides a unique chance to contribute to sustainability initiatives and engage with a diverse group of scholars.
Contact Details:
Churchill College Cambridge Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral By-Fellowships in Cambridge
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Churchill College Cambridge, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Churchill College Cambridge. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral By-Fellowships in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Churchill College Cambridge. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Churchill College Cambridge. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Churchill College Cambridge
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Churchill College Cambridge. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Churchill College Cambridge to drive research projects forward.
