University of Cambridge Herchel Smith Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 , UK
The Herchel Smith Postdoctoral Fellowships are among the most prestigious postdoctoral research opportunities at the University of Cambridge, UK. Funded through the University’s residual share of Dr Herchel Smith’s estate, these fellowships aim to attract outstanding early-career researchers and support them in producing internationally excellent research in the biological sciences, physical sciences, and pure mathematics. Each year, approximately 7–8 fellowships are awarded to exceptional candidates from around the world.
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
