Imperial College Research Fellowships

Support for rising research stars

The Imperial College Research Fellowship (ICRF) scheme is designed for outstanding early career researchers looking for an opportunity to focus on research and establish scientific independence.

As an ICRF you will receive a four-year fellowship which includes:

• A competitive salary
• A contribution toward research and travel costs (up to £45,000)
• Personal mentoring support from a senior Imperial member of academic staff (sponsor)
• Focused career support, training courses and development opportunities from the College's Early Career Researcher Institute
• The chance to take full responsibility for setting and directing your own research agenda and career trajectory, with no obligatory teaching, and with the possibility of spending up to twelve months visiting other research institutions and/or in industry

Key features for applicants

• Candidates are expected to be a maximum of PhD + 4 years
• Proposals will be considered in all research areas active within participating departments at Imperial
• Applicants can be UK nationals or international candidates

Imperial is one of the world's most international universities with almost 60% of our current ICRF holders having non-UK nationality. We strive to ensure the diversity of our candidates and encourage applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds and particularly welcome applications from traditionally underrepresented groups.

Information sessions

The Early Career Researcher Institute deliver online ICRF briefings, designed to help candidates prepare their applications. The slots for this year's briefings have passed, but a recording is available: 

• ICRF Recording 3 June (Imperial access - external candidates please contact ecri@imperial.ac.uk)

Key Dates

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

• Review period: September to December 2025

• Start date for fellowships: between 1 August 2026 and 1 December 2026

Note: it is not possible to defer offers of fellowships for future years