Lucy Cavendish College is seeking to elect an Isaac Newton Non-stipendiary Research Fellow in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or Medicine for up to three years from 1 October 2026.

The research fellowship is open to graduates of any University who are employed within the University of Cambridge or its associated institutions for the duration of their tenure. The Fellowship is intended to provide support for those at an early stage in their academic career. It will normally be awarded to those who have recently completed a PhD degree.

The successful candidate will show outstanding academic achievement with the potential for further intellectual development and will have a research position in one of the relevant Cambridge departments or institutions.

The College:

Lucy Cavendish College is known as a trailblazer at the University of Cambridge, and we are proud to be a driving force of positive change.

Since our founding, Lucy Cavendish College has led the way in championing inclusion. Today, our vibrant student community spans more than 85 countries, and we are the first and only Cambridge college to admit over 90% of UK undergraduates from state schools. Our wider community is just as dynamic. We bring together bold researchers and innovators from diverse backgrounds to tackle urgent global challenges.

In short, Lucy Cavendish is much more than a college—it’s a movement. We are inclusive, innovative, and impactful.

The role:

A research fellowship is created to allow early career researchers to spend time further developing their own research areas and becoming established in their field. The College will therefore endeavour to create a supportive environment. Research Fellows are encouraged to offer up to four hours’ teaching a week for the College, but this will not be a binding contractual agreement and teaching will be remunerated separately. Research Fellows are invited to attend Governing Body and to take part in our wider Post-Doctoral community.

Benefits:

Benefits of a non-stipendiary Research Fellowship are:

• Use of Senior Common Room (SCR) and hot-desking space
• A full meals allowance (five lunches or suppers and one formal hall a week during term as well as allowance to entertain guests as below)
• Travel/book/research grant of £750 per year
• Opportunity to apply for additional funding
• Free stationery, printing, and mail facilities
• Use of the College gym, and car-parking
• College accommodation at members' rates (subject to availability)

Obligations:

• Research Fellows are observers at unreserved and reserved Governing Body meetings held twice a term and followed by supper. The first Governing Body in 2026 will likely be on Wednesday 7 October.
• Participation in College activities. All Research Fellows are strongly encouraged to take part in the corporate life of the College in a range of ways by, for example, attending Research Evenings, and by supporting student activities, particularly those held together with the postgraduate students and research associates.
• Formal Hall. Research Fellows are strongly encouraged to attend Formal Hall. They may invite up to two academic guests a term to these dinners as College guests free of charge.

How to apply:

A complete application will comprise of:

• Personal details and academic record.
• Proposal of research and contribution to the life of the College (1000 words or two pages maximum).
• A concise two-page Curriculum Vitae, including most important publications.
• Two academic references. Academic referees should be familiar with the applicant’s recent research and other activities and should be able to provide an appropriate assessment of the applicant's work.
• Confirmation of the post they hold in the university and its duration.

If you have any specific questions about this apportunity, please contact the Vice President, Henriette Hendriks at  hpjmh2@cam.ac.uk. 

Deadline for applications is 21st of November 2025.

Shortlisted applicants will be notified by 1st of December 2025.

Interviews will take place in week commencing January 5th 2026.