Research fellowships

Internal Selection Process

Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy, University of Cambridge

The Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy warmly invites Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from outstanding early career researchers who wish to apply for a Royal Society University Research Fellowship (URF) to be hosted in the Department.

The Royal Society URF is one of the most prestigious schemes available to early career researchers, providing long‑term support to establish an ambitious, independent research programme. The Department is keen to encourage and support excellent applicants, recognising the vital role URFs play in developing the next generation of academic leaders.

As the number of candidates seeking institutional support typically exceeds our capacity, applications to this scheme are subject to an internal selection process.
Eligibility

Applicants must meet the Royal Society’s eligibility criteria, including:

• Holding a PhD;
• Normally having 3–8 years of post‑PhD research experience at the funder deadline (with adjustments for career breaks and part‑time working);
• Not holding a permanent academic position or an equivalent independent fellowship;
• Open to applicants of all nationalities.

Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Royal Society URF scheme guidance carefully – https://royalsociety.org/grants/university-research/
Internal Expression of Interest (EOI)

Internal EOI deadline: close of play Monday 8th June
EOIs should be submitted by email to HoD@msm.cam.ac.uk and cc to nlp28@cam.ac.uk and must include the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae (max 2 pages);
• Publication list, highlighting key contributions and independence;
• Outline research proposal (max 2 pages) describing:
  • the proposed research programme,
  • originality and significance,
  • feasibility, and
  • a clear vision for establishing an independent research profile;
• Name of academic sponsor in the Department, who supports your application
• Names of two referees, at least one of whom should be external to the University of Cambridge.

In addition:

• Letter of support from an academic sponsor to be sent directly by the academic to the same email address by the EOI deadline.
• References must be submitted directly by the referees to the same email address by the EOI deadline.

Applicants are also expected to have identified, and discussed their plans with, a potential academic sponsor within the Department prior to submission.
Assessment Process

EOIs will be considered by a departmental panel and assessed against criteria aligned with those of the Royal Society, including:

• The applicant’s track record and achievements, relative to career stage;
• Evidence of originality, independence, and leadership potential;
• The scientific quality, ambition, and feasibility of the proposed research;
• The fit with, and contribution to, the research environment of the Department;
• Availability of appropriate space, facilities, mentoring, and support.

Due to resource constraints, the Department may not be able to support all applicants in any given year.
Outcomes and Support for Selected Candidates

Applicants will be informed of the outcome of the internal selection process by 13th July

Researchers selected for Departmental support will receive:

• Guidance and mentorship in developing a competitive full application;
• Internal peer review and feedback;
• Support with institutional approvals and costings;
• Assistance in preparing required statements and references;
• Advice and mock interviews if shortlisted by the Royal Society;
• Funder deadline 9th September.

While the Department is committed to supporting selected applicants fully, internal selection does not guarantee success at the Royal Society stage, nor does it imply a commitment to a permanent academic position following the fellowship.
Further Information

For informal enquiries about the internal process or suitability for the scheme, please contact: Nalin Patel (nlp28@cam.ac.uk).

Further details on the Royal Society University Research Fellowship scheme are available on the Royal Society website.