Cambridge Early Career Research Fellowships 2027

The University of Cambridge Early Career Research Fellowships 2027 aim to help early-career researchers establish themselves in academia through postdoctoral research. The fellowships allow researchers to pursue their proposed research, develop their academic expertise and contribute to Cambridge’s research community. Applicants should review the individual college advertisements to understand the available opportunities and specific eligibility requirements.

Position Details

Fellowship Name: Early Career Research Fellowships 2027
Host Institution: University of Cambridge
Organising Colleges: Churchill College, Clare College, Fitzwilliam College, Murray Edwards College and Trinity Hall
Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
Position Type: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
Number of Fellowships: 8
Research Fields: Multiple disciplines; see individual college advertisements
Duration: Three years
Start Date: 1 October 2027
Required Qualification: PhD or equivalent research experience

About the Early Career Research Fellowships

The University of Cambridge Early Career Research Fellowships 2027 support early-career researchers in developing their academic careers through postdoctoral research. The joint competition offers eight fellowships across five Cambridge colleges to graduates of any university who have recently completed or are about to complete their doctoral studies.

The fellowships normally last three years, starting on 1 October 2027. Successful candidates can pursue their proposed research and contribute to Cambridge’s academic community. Applicants should check individual college advertisements for specific eligibility criteria, available opportunities and research requirements.

Research Areas

The University of Cambridge Early Career Research Fellowships 2027 offer postdoctoral research opportunities across a range of academic disciplines. Research areas and available positions may vary across the five participating colleges. Applicants should review the individual college advertisements to identify suitable research opportunities that align with their academic background, research interests and proposed projects.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Early Career Research Fellowships 2027, applicants should meet the following requirements:

Academic background: Applicants must be graduates of any university.
Doctoral qualification: Candidates must hold a PhD or have equivalent research experience by the fellowship commencement date of 1 October 2027.
Career stage: The fellowships are intended for researchers who have recently completed, or are about to complete, their doctoral studies.
Postdoctoral experience: Candidates would normally be expected to have completed no more than five years of full-time-equivalent postdoctoral research.
Previous fellowships: Research fellowships will not normally be awarded to candidates who have already held comparable postdoctoral positions.
College-specific requirements: Applicants must check the eligibility criteria stated in the advertisement for their chosen college.
Immigration requirements: Candidates are responsible for ensuring that they meet the relevant UK immigration requirements for taking up the position.

Meeting the general eligibility criteria does not guarantee eligibility for every fellowship. Applicants should consult the official advertisements for the specific conditions attached to each opportunity.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: 9 November 2026, 5.00 pm UK time
Referee Reference Deadline: 16 November 2026, 5.00 pm UK time
Fellowship Start Date: 1 October 2027

Applicants should ensure that their applications and both references are received before the respective deadlines.

Application Process

Applicants must register and submit their applications through the official online application portal. The portal allows candidates to save and edit their applications and check their status.

Before applying, candidates should review the individual college advertisements and prepare the required documents and referee details. Applicants must arrange two references, usually including one from their PhD supervisor. Referees must submit their references online by 16 November 2026.

Required Documents

Research Statement: Up to 1,000 words outlining the proposed research and work candidates would submit in support of their application, if requested.
Two Referees: Names and contact details of two referees, normally including the PhD supervisor.
Research Resources: Brief details of the facilities, equipment and resources required for the proposed research.
Additional Requirements: Any further information specified in the individual college advertisements.

Click View & Apply below for official details and application instructions.

View & Apply

Frequently Asked Questions

How many fellowships are available in 2027?
The joint competition offers eight Early Career Research Fellowships across five Cambridge colleges.

Can applicants apply from universities outside the UK?
Yes. Graduates of any university may apply, provided they meet the general and college-specific eligibility requirements.

What should the research statement cover?
It should outline the work candidates would submit in support of their application, if requested, and the research they propose to undertake, within a maximum of 1,000 words.

Can applicants propose research requiring specialised facilities?
Applicants should check whether the facilities and resources needed for their proposed research are available at the University of Cambridge. They should contact a suitable Principal Investigator early if departmental support or specialised facilities are required.

Where can applicants find salary and funding information?
Applicants should consult the individual college advertisements, as the general competition announcement does not specify salary or funding benefits.