Wolfson College Junior Research Fellowships 2026

About the Fellowship

Wolfson College, University of Cambridge invites applications for up to ten non-stipendiary Junior Research Fellowships (JRFs) starting in 2026, including one Isaac Newton Trust Fellowship dedicated to candidates from STEMM disciplines. These fellowships are designed for early-career academics who bring innovative ideas, inspire graduate students, and enrich the College’s diverse international community. With access to research allowances, dining privileges, and Wolfson’s collaborative environment, fellows can advance their scholarship while contributing to interdisciplinary knowledge exchange. Preference will be given to projects aligned with one of the College’s five Interdisciplinary Research Hubs, reflecting Wolfson’s commitment to academic excellence and impactful research.

Fellowship / Details

Position Title: Junior Research Fellowship (Title BI)
Host Institution: Wolfson College, University of Cambridge
Administering Body / Funding Agency: Wolfson College in partnership with the Isaac Newton Trust (for one STEMM Fellowship)
Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
Research Field(s): Open to all disciplines, with one fellowship reserved for STEMM subjects; preference for research within Wolfson’s five Interdisciplinary Research Hubs
Fellowship Type: Non-stipendiary Junior Research Fellowship
Level: Early-career
Fellowship Duration: 1 year, renewable for up to 3 years in total
Expected Start Date: 1 January, 1 April, or 1 October 2026 (depending on funding)
Working Hours: As per University of Cambridge norms
Funding/Compensation: Dining privileges, annual research allowance, non-stipendiary
Required Degree/Diploma: Doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) completed or near completion by the start date

Supported Research Fields / Areas

All academic disciplines
STEMM subjects (for Isaac Newton Trust Fellowship)
Preference for research within:
- Interdisciplinary Research Hub for Human & Machine Intelligence
- Interdisciplinary Research Hub for Physical & Biological Systems
- Interdisciplinary Research Hub for Sustainability & Conservation
- Interdisciplinary Research Hub for Global Cultures & Histories
- Interdisciplinary Research Hub for Health & Wellbeing

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Doctoral degree completed or close to completion by the start date
Employment within the University of Cambridge or its associated institutions for the fellowship’s duration
Evidence of a research post within the University or associated institutions
Early-career academic stage

Preferred Qualifications:

Strong publication record
Evidence of interdisciplinary collaboration
Research aligned with one of Wolfson’s five Interdisciplinary Research Hubs

Not Eligible:

Applicants not employed within the University of Cambridge or its associated institutions during the fellowship

Fellowship/Job Benefits

Dining privileges at Wolfson College
Annual research allowance
Access to College facilities and interdisciplinary research networks
Academic community engagement opportunities

Key Responsibilities

Conduct original research in the chosen field
Engage in interdisciplinary collaborations within the College
Mentor and inspire graduate students
Participate in College academic life and events

Application Process

How to Apply:

Applications open on Friday 1 August 2025. Apply via the CASC Fellowship Application System link on the Wolfson College website before the closing date. Competition Further Particulars are available on the official fellowship page.

Required Documents:

Completed online application form
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Research proposal or project summary
Evidence of current employment at the University of Cambridge or associated institution
Recommendation letters