University of Cambridge Herchel Smith Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 , UK

Overview

The Herchel Smith Fellowship is offered at the following degree level:

Postdoctoral (Post-PhD Research Fellowship)

Description

The Herchel Smith Fellowship is offered at the following degree level:

Postdoctoral (Post-PhD Research Fellowship)

This fellowship is designed specifically for researchers at an early stage of their academic career following completion of a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Herchel Smith Postdoctoral Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral-level research degree

Applicants who have completed all academic requirements but not yet formally received their degree may apply, provided completion occurs before the fellowship starts.

Be at an early career stage, normally within three years of PhD completion (calculated from the PhD viva date).

Allowances are made for career breaks such as maternity leave, illness, or compulsory national service.

Demonstrate:

Outstanding academic excellence

Strong research originality and quality

Clear potential as an independent researcher

Normally not have obtained a PhD from Cambridge or Harvard University, unless significant mitigating circumstances exist.

Be able to take up the fellowship and reside primarily in Cambridge during the award period.

Additional Information

Degree Level

The Herchel Smith Fellowship is offered at the following degree level:

Postdoctoral (Post-PhD Research Fellowship)

This fellowship is designed specifically for researchers at an early stage of their academic career following completion of a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree.

Available Subjects

The fellowships are awarded in disciplines aligned with Dr Herchel Smith’s stipulation and fall mainly within the University’s Schools of Biological and Physical Sciences. Eligible subject areas include:

Pure Mathematics

Physics

Organic Chemistry

Biochemistry

Molecular Biology

Experimental Sciences

Other closely related fields within:

Biological Sciences

Physical Sciences

Each year, the relevant Schools determine the exact fields to be advertised based on academic priorities and application strength.

Benefits

Successful candidates receive an exceptionally generous funding package, including:

Duration:

Minimum 2 years, maximum 3 years

Annual Salary (Stipend):

Approximately £32,236 – £39,609 per year (based on experience and subject to annual review)

Research Support Grant:

Up to £15,000 per year

£13,000 per year for Pure Mathematics

Covers equipment, consumables, conferences, and UK fieldwork

Relocation Support:

Up to £3,500 for relocation expenses

Visa and Immigration Costs:

Reimbursement up to £1,500 for visa-related expenses (where applicable)

Travel Allowance:

One return trip home up to £500 during the fellowship tenure

College Affiliation Support:

Up to £500 per year toward non-stipendiary Cambridge college affiliation

Employment Benefits:

University staff status

Pension eligibility (USS)

33 days annual leave plus public holidays

Teaching Opportunities:

Up to 6 hours per week of paid teaching (optional)

Eligible Nationalities

Open to all nationalities

Researchers from any country may apply. International candidates are responsible for meeting UK visa and immigration requirements, although eligible visa and relocation costs may be reimbursed during the fellowship.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Herchel Smith Postdoctoral Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral-level research degree

Applicants who have completed all academic requirements but not yet formally received their degree may apply, provided completion occurs before the fellowship starts.

Be at an early career stage, normally within three years of PhD completion (calculated from the PhD viva date).

Allowances are made for career breaks such as maternity leave, illness, or compulsory national service.

Demonstrate:

Outstanding academic excellence

Strong research originality and quality

Clear potential as an independent researcher

Normally not have obtained a PhD from Cambridge or Harvard University, unless significant mitigating circumstances exist.

Be able to take up the fellowship and reside primarily in Cambridge during the award period.

Application Procedure

The application process for the Herchel Smith Postdoctoral Fellowships follows these steps:

Fellowships are advertised annually

Vacancies are published by the relevant departments on the University of Cambridge job portal .

Identify an advertised field and host department

Applicants must apply within the specific subject areas announced for that year.

Prepare application materials, which typically include:

Research proposal

Academic CV

Publication record

References

Submit the application online

Applications are submitted directly through the University’s recruitment system.

Assessment and Selection

Applications are assessed based on academic excellence, research originality, and independence.

Fellowship Start Date

Normally begins on 1 October, with limited flexibility up to 1 January of the following year.

Why Choose The Herchel Smith Fellowship At Cambridge

One of the most prestigious postdoctoral fellowships in the UK

Full financial independence to focus exclusively on research

Access to world-class laboratories, facilities, and supervisors

Strong integration into Cambridge’s college system and research networks

Excellent career progression toward academic and research leadership roles

Frequently Asked Questions Faqs

What is the Herchel Smith Postdoctoral Fellowship at Cambridge? The Herchel Smith Postdoctoral Fellowship is a highly competitive, fully funded research fellowship at the University of Cambridge for early-career postdoctoral researchers in biological sciences, physical sciences, and pure mathematics.

Is the Herchel Smith Fellowship open to international applicants? Yes, the fellowship is open to all nationalities, and international researchers can apply, subject to meeting UK visa requirements.

How long is the Herchel Smith Postdoctoral Fellowship? The fellowship is awarded for two to three years, depending on the research programme and funding approval.

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University of Cambridge Herchel Smith Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 , UK

Overview

Description

Eligibility

Additional Information

Degree Level

Available Subjects

Benefits

Eligible Nationalities

Eligibility Criteria

Application Procedure

Why Choose The Herchel Smith Fellowship At Cambridge

Frequently Asked Questions Faqs

Everything You Need To Study Abroad

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