Imperial College Research Fellowships 2025 | Fully Funded Fellowships for Early-Career Researchers: (Deasdline 18 August, 2025)

Imperial College Research Fellowships (ICRF)  are tailored for early-career researchers aiming to establish their own independent research careers. The programme offers extensive support, a competitive salary, and access to a vibrant research environment.

These fellowships are open to individuals who have recently completed their PhD and are ready to begin establishing their own independent research careers. With four years of salary support, generous research funding, and access to one of the most dynamic academic communities in the world, ICRFs are an exceptional opportunity for emerging researchers to launch high-impact careers.

Whether your work spans engineering, natural sciences, design, or interdisciplinary areas — and whether you are based in the UK or overseas — this fellowship provides a strategic platform to develop as a leader in your field.

If you are considering applying, you are encouraged to read all the provided information thoroughly.

Eligibility and Career Stage

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD at the time of application.

• Be in the early stages of their research career.

• Demonstrate strong potential to establish independent research.

• Typically be within 0–4 years post-PhD, calculated from the PhD defence date to the scheme deadline.

Extensions to eligibility time limits will be considered in support of:

• Career breaks (e.g., parental or sickness leave)

• Changes in discipline or career paths

• Commitments to diversity and non-traditional research routes

Note: A total of 4 years post-PhD research experience is still the maximum allowed, including any adjustments.

Fellowship Details

• Duration: Four years (fixed term)

• Location: Based at Imperial College London (any campus) or in the field

  • Fellows may spend up to 12 months visiting other research institutions or industry (including international institutions), but no more than six months at a single institution

Funding and Salary

• Salary:

  • Typically offered at Point 17 of the Research Associate salary band

  • 2024/25 London-based salary: £48,056 per annum

  • Negotiable up to £56,345 per annum in exceptional cases

  • Pay aligned with College pay and recognition policies

• Research and Travel Costs:

  • Up to £30,000 total

  • May be increased to £45,000 if fully justified by the research scope

Benefits

Fellows receive a comprehensive package, including:

• Access to bespoke development activities through the Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI)

• Generous leave allowances

• Enhanced maternity/shared parental leave (up to 18 weeks full-pay)

• Hybrid working options

• Access to mental health and family care support via:

  • Confidential Care (Employee Assistance Programme)

  • Imperial Parents’ Network

  • My Family Care services for childcare and eldercare

How to Apply 

Step 1: Contact Proposed Sponsor and Host Department

• All candidates must contact their intended sponsor and host department early in the process.

Step 2: Prepare and Submit Your Application

• Applications must be submitted via the Imperial Jobs portal, referencing Job ID: NAT01920.

• All documents must be uploaded as PDFs using the specified file naming conventions provided in the templates.

Step 3: Submit Confidential Reference Letters

• Each application must include two confidential reference letters.

Review and Selection

• Applications undergo a rigorous review process.

• Selection criteria include research quality, alignment with departmental goals, and candidate potential.

Note:

Before applying, confirm your chosen department’s current status regarding ICRF applications.

Application Process

1. Identify and contact a sponsor in your prospective host department early.

2. Submit your application via Talentlink.

Departments may have additional deadlines and internal procedures. Applicants are encouraged to confirm with the relevant department.

For more information, visit Imperial College’s Research  or email: [email protected]

Closing date for applications: Monday 18 August 2025 (23:59 BST)