Postdoctoral Research Programme

The Institute has long recognised that the excellence of our postdoctoral researchers is critical for our overall success. We ensure that our research environment and opportunities for training and career development serve to attract, develop and retain the very best postdoctoral scientists and Research Fellows.

In addition to the Group Leaders at the Institute, there are approximately 90 Postdoctoral Research Scientists and Senior Postdoctoral Research Scientists. Many of these posts are funded by external grants, with the postholders on limited term contracts. To enhance the career progression of our very best postdoctoral scientists, the Institute has established a comprehensive career scheme from first postdoctoral position to Group Leader status.

The Career Progression Fellowship (CPF) scheme provides an early bridge to a career as an independent Group Leader. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to conceive and deliver science independently; in return the CPF provides a salary and research funds for up to two years whilst the CPF holder seeks an externally-funded senior fellowship and/or a research grant. Career-track Group Leader status is awarded to CPFs obtaining suitable external support, principally senior Fellowships.

All career-track Group Leaders are mentored through the Institute’s Executive Committee, are subject to a formal review of progress at the mid-point of their contract and are offered an assessment for a core-funded indefinite Group Leader appointment within the final two years of their contract.

The Senior Research Associate (SRA) position is an alternative career route specifically for those senior postdocs who do not wish to become independent Group Leaders but who are exceptional individuals, possessing a high level of widely applicable skills desirable for the Institute's science, who are skilled at training others and who will sustain a strong professional reputation through publications and other external recognition. All SRAs contribute to the Institute’s in-house Advanced Research Training Scheme.