Independent Research Group Fellowship - 2-Year Support
Posted 1 hour 58 minutes ago by Jamnet Team
Establishing an independent research group at a globally recognized institution represents a major milestone for ambitious scientists. The 2026 Senior Research Fellowship Sponsorship Scheme, by the Department of Zoology at the University of Cambridge, is an initiative designed to sponsor early career scientists with zoology degrees who wish to set up their own lab.
This comprehensive support package and two years of dedicated sponsorship enable exceptional researchers to secure external funding, set up laboratories, and contribute to solutions for global biological challenges.
Summary of Key Details- Host Institution: University of Cambridge, Department of Zoology
- Target Audience: Early career researchers planning independent scientific groups
- Primary Benefit: Two year sponsorship and support package
- Focus Areas: Behaviour and neuroscience, conservation science, ecology, and evolutionary biology
- Application Submission: Email short application form, publications list, and references
- Contact Email:
- Application Reference: PF50279
- Application Closing Deadline: Tuesday, 10 November 2026 at 17:00 GMT
- Shortlisting Decision Date: Tuesday, 8 December 2026
- Departmental Seminar Week: Beginning 11 January 2027
The Department of Zoology is a thriving community of researchers investigating how animal life evolved, how it functions, and how we can conserve it for future generations. It comprises around 30 active research groups spanning from genes to global ecosystems, with a strong commitment to equality, inclusion, and diversity.
Research Themes and Facilities- Advanced Imaging Suites: Access to high res imaging, microscopy, and cellular visualization tools.
- High Performance Computing: Elite computational clusters supporting complex ecological modeling and bioinformatics.
- Comprehensive Bioinformatics Support: Dedicated specialists for genomic, transcriptomic, and deep spatial data analysis.
- Focused Disciplinary Strengths: Collaboration within established strengths including behaviour, neuroscience, conservation science, ecology, and evolutionary biology.
- Mentoring and Training: Dedicated career coaching, leadership training, and scientific mentoring from senior faculty.
- Laboratory Setup Support: Administrative assistance for setting up physical laboratory and procurement.
- Personnel Recruitment Assistance: Guidance on recruiting and onboarding high potential technicians, students, and postdocs.
- Fellowship Application Writing: Workshops and peer review sessions to refine external fellowship applications.
- Direct Path to Lectureships: Strong departmental track record of transitioning sponsored fellows into permanent lectureships.
- Academic Status: Active early career researchers with a strong postdoctoral track record, ready to lead an independent research group.
- Fellowship Timeline: Must plan to submit an external senior research fellowship application for funding competitions closing after March 2027.
- Analytical Curiosity: Clear research vision complementing or expanding upon the Department's strengths.
- Inclusive Values: Alignment with the department's commitment to proactive equality, diversity, and inclusive research culture.
- Work Authorization: Readiness to comply with UK visa conditions and live and work in the United Kingdom.
- Very Short Application Form: Download and complete the official brief application form.
- Detailed Publications List: Comprehensive bibliography highlighting peer reviewed papers, preprints, and academic contributions.
- Referee Contact Details: Full names and active contact information for two academic referees.
Deadline: 10 November 2026 at 17:00 GMT