Category: Career Opportunities, Internships & Volunteering

Dame Julia Higgins Collaborative Research Fund Now Open

ECRI are delighted to announce that the 2026 call for the Dame Julia Higgins Postdoc Collaborative Research Fund is now open for Imperial postdocs!

Building on the success of the previous Engineering Postdoc Collaborative Research funding rounds, the Faculty of Engineering Research Committee as well as Faculty of Medicine Departments are delighted to announce a joint funding opportunity for postdocs.

This fund was introduced to give postdocs at the Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Medicine the opportunity to apply for and be awarded their own research funding, develop and deliver a collaborative research project, and take a step towards becoming independent from the research of their PI.

The fund promotes collaboration between postdocs in the Faculties of Engineering and Medicine, whereby funding applications submitted must involve a minimum of two postdocs from different departments. To facilitate the interaction between the departments, networking events precede the proposal deadline. To register your interest, please complete the initial expression of interest form.

Key Dates  

Expression of Interest & Registration Deadline: 

  • 12:00 on 31 May 2026

Networking events:

  • Live (in person) Thursday 04 June 15:00-17:00
  • Live (online via Zoom) Tuesday 09 June 12:30-14:00

Application deadline: 

  • 12:00 on Tuesday 23 June 2026

Assessment panel: 

  • 24 July 2026

Successful applicants will be notified at the start of August, and all spending and final reports are due by 31 July 2027.

2026 Korea InnoCORE Global Postdoctoral Recruitment Fair (2 June)

You are warmly invited to the 2026 InnoCORE Global Postdoctoral Job Fair
– London : 2 June 2026, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
– München : 5 June 2026, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
– Zürich : 8 June 2026, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Korea’s leading science and technology institutes—KAIST, GIST, DGIST, and UNIST—are seeking postdoctoral researchers who are ready to help shape the future through world-class research infrastructure and strong international collaboration.

The 2026 InnoCORE Global Postdoctoral Job Fair will be held in major cities across Europe and will offer a valuable opportunity to explore research careers, postdoctoral positions, and PhD-related opportunities in Korea.

The event will feature an introduction to the InnoCORE research groups, along with opportunities for 1:1 Research Meeting (with potential interview opportunity) with research teams based on participants’ fields of interest.

We hope this event will be a meaningful opportunity for those who are ready to begin a new research journey in Korea or continue their work on a broader global stage.

If you are interested, please apply through the link below.

For more information about this event, please visit : https://www.innocore-jobfair.com/

To participate in the event survey : https://forms.gle/t86FCMUKjtt1f5cLA

Grantham Institute seeking volunteers for Great Exhibition Road Festival

The Grantham Institute is looking for volunteers to take part in this year’s Great Exhibition Road Festival at three stalls on Sat 6 June from 12 – 6pm and Sun 7 June 2025 from 11am – 6pm. We will offer gift vouchers as a token thank you to volunteers, unless you are able to arrange time off in lieu.

  1. Grantham’s Climate Friendly Pop Up Kitchen in Exhibition Road. This popular award-winning stall will offer a selection of plant-based food samples, recipe cards, info leaflets and interactive games about sustainable food. The aim is to show that climate friendly cooking is healthy, affordable and delicious.This would suit someone who’s passionate about food, particularly plant-based food – and keen to talk to the public about small changes we can make to benefit the planet.

  2. The Eco Pawprint of our Pets in the Family Fun Zone near the Albert Memorial demonstrate the ecological damage pets flea and tick treatments can do to wildlife, giving visitors the chance to learn how to reduce use of these and how to dispose of them safely if a pet has fleas. The stall will be run by Imperial’s PREPP team of vets, ecologists and water experts. There will be interactive activities including testing river water samples to check the prevalence of flea and tick treatments, looking at fleas under a microscope and an art activity for kids creating dragonflies, butterflies and bees – all at threat from these treatments – as part of a vibrant collage.This would suit someone who’s an animal/ nature lover, keen to do engagement with families and young children or who has creative skills.

  3. The Urban Wildlife stall in the Underground Adventure Zone in Princess Gardens will offer visitors the chance to make seed bombs packed with wildflower seeds to plant in their garden, park or in a window box. The team will also offer their Decision Tree, advising on the most pollinator friendly plants you can grow on windowsills/ balconies/ patios and gardens. Visitors will also be able to play the Scurry through the City boardgame, which focuses on the importance of pocket parks, planters and pollinator friendly flowers.This would suit someone passionate about nature and ecology happy to chat with kids and adults alike.

Time slots

You can volunteer for one or more timeslots on one or both stalls.

Saturday
10.30am – 12noon Setting up
12noon – 2pm Chatting to visitors, playing interactive games etc
2 – 4pm As above
4 – 6pm As above
6 – 7pm Tidying up

Sunday
10.30am – 11am Setting up
11am – 2pm Chatting to visitors, playing interactive games etc
2 – 4pm As above
4 – 6pm As above
6 – 7.30pm Tidying up

Please contact Linsey Wynton, l.wynton@imperial.ac.uk, with the activity you would like to support and the date and times you are available ASAP. Online briefings meeting for volunteers will take place ahead of the festival.

2 Year AI in Science Fellowships, supported by Schmidt Sciences

About the role:

Applications are invited for prestigious Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Fellowships, a program of Schmidt Sciences, commencing 1 September 2027.

  • Up to six 2-year independent Eric and Wendy Schmidt fellowships dedicated to AI in Science in a program supported by Schmidt Sciences. Further details here (Research Associate level) & here (Research Fellow level)
  • Up to two 2-year independent Chapman-Schmidt fellowships dedicated to AI in Science in a program supported by Schmidt Sciences. Further details here

What you would be doing:

The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Ai in Science Fellows will produce independent and original research, using AI to advance science within their host department and the I-X Centre for AI in Science. These fellowships have the aim of identifying excellent researchers and accelerating them in using AI to advance and disrupt Science or Engineering. Here ‘AI’ is interpreted very broadly, e.g.: topics in Bayesian Inference and Robotics; ‘Science’ covers any typical topic in Natural Science and Engineering (Epidemiology, Biology and basic science in biomedicine are included but clinical medical themes are not covered, including conventional medical imaging). Examples include Bayesian optimization for molecular or materials design; machine learning for single cell data; physics-based ML for turbine design and astrostatistics. These posts are not suitable for generic AI research with general application: candidates must be aiming to substantially advance a particular area of science. Applicants could view themselves as AI researchers tackling particular pieces of science or science researchers using AI to transform their area. Extensive AI knowledge is not required, and AI training is offered.

What we are looking for:

Candidates will:

  • Hold, or be near completion of, a PhD (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline.
  • Have the potential for leadership qualities in the subject, as illustrated, for example, through showing initiative on research projects.
  • Have an outstanding research record commensurate with their level of experience as demonstrated, for example, through an outstanding thesis, publications, conference presentations, code etc.
  • Have a proposal which is within the AI in Science research remit and skills which fit the cohort of AI in Science fellows.
  • For the RF positions candidates will be expected to have several years of experience post-PhD (in research or AI-based industry) and experience supervising team members

 

What we can offer you:

Fellows will join the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Network of researchers and will join a unique co-located cohort of top scholars based in the I-X Centre for AI in Science with tailored training and one-on-one career development. The fellowships are flexible and independent, allowing recipients to freely explore while drawing on expert faculty mentors of their choice.

We have a programme of additional support for women in AI in Science including a coaching circle for women in AI, additional funds for their career development and a community of I-X AI in Science women. The I-X Women in Artificial Intelligence (IXWAI) founded by two of our current Fellows aims to enhance representation of women in AI and foster an environment where they are valued, supported and inspired to achieve their full potential. We expect to appoint at least one candidate through this route.

Further Information

These are full time, fixed term position for 2 years. You will be based at White City Campus.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant.

If you have any queries about these opportunities, please contact Eileen Boyce at e.boyce@imperial.ac.uk

Joint Fellowships

We have partnered with the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and the CNRS. If you are applying for one of these joint fellowships, we require that the principal mentor be in Imperial, but a secondary supervisor must be at ICR/CNRS. Please indicate if this is a joint fellowship by ticking the appropriate ICR/CNRS tick box in the online application form. Please note that these applications will require an institutional letter of support and ICR and CNRS will have their own internal process with a deadline ahead of the closing date below. The ICR deadline will be Monday 29th June at 9am. You must contact Becky Cook (rebecca.cook@icr.ac.uk) at ICR and Carl Iamov carl.ialamov@cnrs.fr and/or Louis Avigdor louis.avigdor@cnrs-dir.fr at CNRS to confirm these internal processes and deadlines

Imperial Research Fellowship Scheme Applications Open (Deadline 23 July)

Overview

The IRF scheme is designed for outstanding early career researchers looking for an opportunity to focus on research and establish scientific independence, making the leap from a post-doctoral researcher to permanent lecturer. IRFs receive a four-year fellowship which includes:

  • A competitive salary
  • A contribution toward research and travel costs (up to £45,000)
  • Personal mentoring support from a senior Imperial member of academic staff (sponsor)
  • Focused career support, training courses and development opportunities from Imperial’s Early Career Researcher Institute
  • The chance to take full responsibility for setting and directing their own research agenda and career trajectory, with no obligatory teaching, and with the possibility of spending up to twelve months visiting other research institutions and/or in industry.

Key features for applicants

  • Candidates are expected to be a maximum of PhD + 5 years (counted from PhD award date to proposed fellowship start date)
  • Proposals will be considered in all research areas active within participating departments at Imperial
  • Applicants can be UK nationals or international candidates and internal or external to Imperial

Closing date: Thursday 23 July 2026 (internal departmental deadlines will vary)

Full details are available at: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/research-office/funder-information/research-fellowships/irf/

Cancer Research UK: Bridge to Academic Leadership Programme (Deadline 23 June)

Develop the skills, confidence and network to lead your own research team and build an application for a £25k award to develop your research niche.

The Cancer Research UK Bridge to Academic Leadership programme returns this autumn, supporting postdocs to take the next steps toward becoming independent group leaders in cancer.

The programme is open to non-clinical postdocs based at any UK institution, regardless of your funding source.

Across a blend of online and in-person sessions, you’ll strengthen your ability to generate and pitch your research ideas, improve your grant-writing skills and learn how to lead and manage a research team effectively in an academic environment.

Applications are particularly welcomed from researchers from ethnic minority backgrounds, women, non-binary researchers and researchers who are disabled or living with a long‑term condition. Places will be allocated on a competitive basis. Diversity information will be used to prioritise researchers who fall into groups underrepresented among our fellowship applicants.

Applications close 23 June

Full details on eligibility and a link to apply:

https://cruk.ink/42ccBG3

Human–AI Collaboration and Systems Design Contributor

We’re looking for an experienced contributor to join the Executive Education programme Transforming Business with AI, running from 13–17 July. This person would support a small number of afternoon sessions during the week, bringing practical insight into how AI systems are designed, adopted, and used in real organisational settings.

We’re looking for someone who brings together strong academic foundations with hands‑on experience working with businesses and executive audiences.

What we’re looking for:

  • PhD‑level training (or equivalent experience) in Information Systems, Human–AI Collaboration, or a related field
  • Practical experience designing and implementing AI solutions that address both technical and organisational challenges
  • Hands‑on work with SMEs on applied AI projects, including:
    • Retrieval‑Augmented Generation (RAG)
    • Data chunking and structuring
    • Tools such as LangChain, knowledge graphs, and related frameworks
    • Previous involvement in executive education, leadership programmes, or senior‑level workshops

For more information about the programme, please contact:
Mariana Gamba Fadul, Senior Learning Design Manager

For information about rates and logistics, please contact:
Toni McCloggan, Client Relationship Manager – Open and Custom Programmes

STEP UP Digital Research Technical Career and Bridging Placements

STEP‑UP invites applications for 1–3 month funded placements that develop specialist skills in research software, data, and computing infrastructure. Participants will work within a digital Research Technical Professional (dRTP) team at Imperial College London, King’s College London, UCL, or the University of Westminster.

STEP-UP – a Strategic TEchnical Platform for University technical Professionals – is a UK-based research project funded under the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)’s 2023 Strategic Technical Platforms call.

What you gain

  • Build advanced technical and professional skills.
  • Exchange best practices across institutions.
  • Use placement time to bridge gaps between projects.
  • Strengthen future career opportunities.

You can apply if you are:

  • A dRTP (i.e. working on research software, data or computing infrastructure) in any role at one of the four STEP‑UP partner institutions, or
  • A UK‑based PhD student or postdoc seeking experience as a dRTP and not employed during the placement.

All placements must occur within a partner‑institution dRTP team.

Funding

STEP‑UP provides up to £15,550, covering 80% of salary and on‑costs, plus eligible fees such as visa or bench costs. (Overheads and indirect costs are excluded.)

If you want to grow your technical capability and collaborate across the London dRTP community, this scheme offers a high‑impact route to do so.

Find out more and apply: https://step-up.ac.uk/placements/

Seeking new members to join Imperial’s Athena Swan SAT – an opportunity for you to help shape Imperial’s gender equality work

Seeking new members to join Imperial’s Athena Swan SAT – an opportunity for you to help shape Imperial’s gender equality work

Imperial’s Athena Swan Self-Assessment Team (SAT) is responsible for discussing gender equality issues and keeping track of progress on our Action Plan. The SAT helps to represent the different areas and groups across the university and lived experiences. As a member, you would be expected to contribute to discussions and provide a ‘voice’ for the postdoc / fellow community and your department.

Meetings of the SAT take place roughly every month for 90 minutes – usually on Teams. Though we will try to hold perhaps two meetings a year in-person, based on previous feedback from the SAT. We recognise the difficulties of scheduling and availability, and accept that SAT members may not be able to attend every meeting.

Starting this spring / summer, the focus of the SAT will begin to switch to a full self-assessment process to prepare for Imperial’s Athena application in July 2027. Joining the SAT is an opportunity to help influence Imperial’s future gender equality work and action plan. We are planning to create additional sub groups for the SAT, to focus on particular areas (for example culture, career development, etc). We are still thinking about how best these will work, trying to take lessons from last submission and the current work of the Race Equality Charter SAT (submitting this year).

Please contact Robert Bell should you be interested in joining the group

robert.bell@imperial.ac.uk

Royal Society Fellowships 2026 Full List

Schemes opening in 2026

Scheme Open date Close date Decision
Royal Society Wolfson Fellowship 7 January 2026 4 March 2026 July 2026
Royal Society Wolfson Visiting Fellowship 7 January 2026 4 March 2026 July 2026
International Exchanges Global Round 1 15 January 2026 18 March 2026 June 2026
JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship 15 January 2026 18 March 2026 July 2026
Newton International Fellowships 15 January 2026 11 March 2026 August 2026
Research Grants 29 January 2026 26 March 2026 July 2026
Industry Fellowships 4 February 2026 1 April 2026 July 2026
Short Industry Fellowships 2 April 2026 28 May 2026 July 2026
Kan Tong Po Visiting Fellowships 9 April 2026 4 June 2026 October 2026
Royal Society Wolfson Fellowship 6 May 2026 1 July 2026 November 2026
Royal Society Wolfson Visiting Fellowship 6 May 2026 1 July 2026 November 2026
University Research Fellowship 14 July 2026 9 September 2026 May 2027
Industry Fellowships 22 July 2026 16 September 2026 March 2027
Short Industry Fellowships 12 August 2026 7 October 2026 December 2026
Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship 1 September 2026 28 October 2026 July 2027
Faraday Discovery Fellowships – Stage 1 August 2026 September 2026 November 2026
Leverhulme Trust Senior Research Fellowships September 2026 November 2026 April 2027
Career Development Fellowships 22 September 2026 18 November 2026 June 2027
Faraday Discovery Fellowships – Stage 2 December 2026 February 2027 July 2027