Jul 18, 2025, 07:49

CRUK Career Development Fellowship

The Career Development Fellowship supports emerging independent researchers without a salaried group leader post to establish their own research group over six years (or part-time equivalent), providing funding for salaries, two staff posts, running costs, equipment, and leadership training.

Eligibility Criteria:

Independence & Host: Must have dedicated space and facilities at a UK university or research institute (check with CRUK if uncertain).
Career Stage: Demonstrate “establishing independence” competencies per CRUK’s Fellowship Competency Framework.
Prior Funding: Must not already hold funding to set up a research group or a core-funded Group Leader position at a CRUK Institute.
Specialist Notes:
- Clinicians should consider the Clinician Scientist Fellowship if they hold a salaried post.
- Flexible working, career breaks, and discipline changes are recognized in assessment.

Funding Details:

Duration: Up to 6 years (part-time equivalent acceptable; ≥50% research FTE).
Quantum: Typically up to £1.5 million total, inclusive of:
- Salary for the fellow
- Salaries & running costs for up to two posts (postdoc, technician, or non-clinical PhD student)
- Equipment costs up to £25,000
- Relocation allowance up to £1,000
- Annual salary enhancement of £6,500
- EMBO Lab Leadership course fees and travel

Additional Benefits:

Access to CRUK networking & training events
Flexible working policies
Fast-track Tier 1 (General) visa support

Key Dates:

Outline Submission Deadline: 2 October 2025
Outline Committee Review: December 2025
Full Application Invitation: February 2026 (exact date TBC)
Interview & Final Decision: May 2026

How to Apply & Further Information:

Optional Eligibility Enquiry: Submit CV & Eligibility Enquiry Form at least 2 weeks before outline deadline.
Outline Application: Via CRUK’s Flexi-Grant portal—reviewed by the Research Careers Committee.
Full Application: Shortlisted applicants submit a detailed proposal via Flexi-Grant, endorsed by the host institution.
Review & Interview: Expert Review Panel provides feedback; successful candidates interviewed before final funding decision.
Guidance Documents: Download the CDF Outline and Full Application Guidelines from the CRUK website under Fellowships → Career Development Fellowship.

Contacts:

London (ex-Imperial/ICR), North East, Scotland, Northern Ireland: Dr Catherine Cremona — [email protected]
Cambridge, Oxford, South East & West: Dr Elisabetta Gamen — [email protected]
Imperial/ICR, Midlands, North West, Wales: Dr Fran Smith — [email protected]