At a Glance
- Tasks: Establish your own research group and tackle fundamental biological questions.
- Company: Join UCL's prestigious Department of Cell and Developmental Biology.
- Benefits: Access to cutting-edge facilities, mentorship, and funding opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with top institutions and enjoy a vibrant research environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in innovative research while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Exceptional early-career researchers with a strong track record.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Research Department of Cell and Developmental Biology (CDB) at University College London (UCL) invites Expressions of Interest from early-career researchers who wish to be sponsored for external fellowships to establish an independent research group via a tenure-track process. We are looking for outstanding candidates who address fundamental biological questions using innovative approaches and technologies.
Applicants may work in any area of Cell or Developmental Biology and allied subjects. We are interested in candidates who can demonstrate synergy with research carried out in our Center for Engineering Life, in particular synthetic developmental biology. The ability to teach cell biology, development and/or anatomy would be considered an advantage.
UCL is ranked 9th in Biological Sciences in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. CDB offers an interactive and rich research environment with access to cutting-edge facilities. The diverse research areas in CDB include animal development, stem cell biology, functional and evolutionary morphology, neuroscience, organelle biology and cell signalling. The Department is home to several centres, including the UCL Centre for Integrative Anatomy and the UCL Consortium for Mitochondrial Research. Close links also exist to the Francis Crick Institute, the Natural History Museum and the Sainsbury-Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour.
For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Roberto Mayor, Fellowship Coordinator of CDB (r.mayor@ucl.ac.uk). To apply, please email the following as one PDF document: a full CV with names of referees; a one-page outline of your fellowship application/proposal including a title; a cover letter explaining how your proposal is suitable for the fellowship scheme(s) you are interested in, a timeline for application(s), and how you see this research programme fitting into CDB. PLEASE APPLY AS ABOVE, PLEASE DO NOT APPLY VIA THE 'APPLY NOW' BUTTON.
Successful candidates will be of the highest calibre, can demonstrate an exceptional track record in their career stage and have the potential to submit competitive fellowship applications. Shortlisted candidates will give a departmental seminar and meet with faculty members. This may be face-to-face or via an online platform. Selected candidates will be provided with support for their fellowship applications, including mock interviews. Candidates that are successful in securing a fellowship are provided with post-award support, including membership of the Biosciences Fellowship Network, assignment of a mentor, access to additional support for research and further funding, opportunities to attract PhD students through PhD programs, and additional funding support beyond the end of the fellowship. Fellows will be assessed for a permanent position within the department one year before the end of their fellowship.
External research fellowships available for sponsorship from CDB include the Wellcome Trust Career Development Award, UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, MRC Career Development Award, CRUK Career Development Fellowship, ERC Starting Grant, Royal Society URF, Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin, and EPSRC Open Fellowship.
Career Development Fellowships in the Department of CDB, UCL employer: UCL
University College London (UCL) is an exceptional employer for early-career researchers, offering a vibrant and collaborative research environment within the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology. With access to cutting-edge facilities and strong connections to prestigious institutions, UCL provides unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and support in securing external fellowships, making it an ideal place for those looking to advance their academic careers in a dynamic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Career Development Fellowships in the Department of CDB, UCL
✨Explore University Career Fairs
University career fairs are gold mines, especially for biology roles. We should hit up these events, connect with potential employers like UCL, and get the inside scoop on full-time opportunities. Plus, it's a fab way to showcase our passion for the field!
✨Join Biology Communities
Get involved in local biology associations or online forums—these are great for networking and hearing about job openings before they hit the mainstream. Engaging in meaningful discussions can help us stand out and get noticed by hiring managers in the biology sector.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Plan to attend biology-related conferences or workshops. These events are perfect for making connections, learning about the latest research, and even finding out which companies, like UCL, are expanding and hiring full-time positions. Don't forget to bring your business cards!
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
When you land that interview, be ready to flaunt your research experience and practical skills. Discuss any lab work, projects, or internships that demonstrate your expertise in biology. We want to make sure the interviewers see exactly why we're a great fit for the role at UCL.
We think you need these skills to ace Career Development Fellowships in the Department of CDB, UCL
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Lab Skills:In the biology field, it's super important to highlight any relevant lab skills. Make sure to include techniques you’ve mastered, like PCR or chromatography, right in your CV. This helps us see your hands-on experience and how you can contribute at UCL.
Tailor Your Cover Letter with Passion:When writing your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for biology shine through! Share specific examples of projects or research that fuel your passion. It’s the perfect way to convey your motivation and fit for the role of Career Development Fellowships in the Department of CDB, UCL at UCL.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications related to biology—like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or even specific software for data analysis—be sure to mention those. They can really set you apart from other applicants and show us you’re dedicated to your professional development.
Highlight Team Projects and Communication Skills:Biology often involves collaboration, so don’t shy away from mentioning any team projects you've worked on in your CV. Emphasise how you communicated findings or contributed in group settings. This gives us insight into how you’d fit into our team at UCL.
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Get ready to dive deep into the scientific concepts related to your field! For a biology role, you'll likely face questions about experimental design, data analysis techniques, and possibly even lab protocols. Make sure you're clear on your coursework and any practical experiences you've had.
✨Show Off Your Lab Skills
Hands-on experience can make or break an interview in biology. Be prepared to discuss your previous lab work, including techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, or microscopy. Bring a portfolio of your lab reports or relevant projects to really impress the hiring team at UCL.
✨Communicate Your Passion for Biology
As this is a full-time position, employers at UCL are looking for someone who is not just qualified, but truly enthusiastic about biology. Be ready to share specific moments or projects that ignited your interest in the field. A personal story can really set you apart!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Don’t underestimate the power of behavioural questions! Expect to discuss situations from your studies or internships where you showed teamwork, problem-solving, or conflict resolution. This is your chance to show that you're not only a great biologist but also a great colleague!
