Career Re-entry Fellowships
Purpose
This scheme is for postdoctoral scientists who have recently decided to recommence a scientific research career after a break of at least two years.
It gives such scientists the opportunity to return to high-quality research, with the potential to undertake refresher or further training.
The fellowship is particularly suitable for applicants wishing to return to research after a break for family commitments.
What's included
The fellowship is tenable for two to four years, depending on seniority before career break, and may be taken up on a full or part-time basis.
It provides support that includes:
- the fellow's salary, as determined by the host institution with an additional Trust enhancement
- research expenses (consumables, animals, travel support to attend scientific meetings).
In exceptional circumstances, research assistance may be requested at the postgraduate or technical level.
Modest requests for equipment, where fully justified in the context of the proposed research, will be considered, but we expect that a laboratory or unit appropriate to the research proposed be selected, and that the majority of the necessary equipment and facilities required for the proposed research be available to the candidate.
Funding may be provided for re-training, e.g. tuition fees at the UK student rate for an appropriate MSc course.
Time permitted for non-research activity during the Career Re-entry Fellowship is normally restricted to a maximum of eight hours each week.
Eligibility
The awards are open to individuals with a relevant connection to the European Economic Area (EEA).
You should be a research scientist with at least two years' postdoctoral experience and intend to be based in a UK or Republic of Ireland organisation.
You must have had a career break of at least two years and should have either a strong research track record (if applying for up to four years' support) or demonstrated the potential for a strong research career prior to your break (if applying for two years' support). A two-year fellowship should provide sufficient training support to consolidate your potential.
The proposed research should fall within the Wellcome Trust's normal funding remit. We do not normally consider proposals for clinical cancer research (see our policy on cancer research funding).
Sponsorship and supervision
You must have an eligible sponsoring laboratory in the UK or Republic of Ireland, and a sponsor who holds an established post and has tenure beyond the duration of the proposed fellowship.
Your sponsor must have a contract of employment with the host institution or, in the case of an NHS employee, an honorary academic appointment. He or she must be in a position to guarantee you space and facilities for the full period of the grant.
In some cases, in addition to a sponsor, we will ask that the fellow receive laboratory-based supervision and may require that an individual supervisor be identified for this purpose.
Appropriate individuals will possess strong track records in research and mentorship. We hope that all mentors will provide guidance during the application process, as well as support throughout the Career Re-entry Fellowship.
Sponsors and supervisors are advised to read all the scheme information provided here.
Application process
A preliminary application form [Word 90KB] should be submitted in hard copy, with all requested accompanying information, by the published deadline.
Completed forms will normally be assessed within three weeks of the preliminary deadline.
If successful, you will be invited to submit a full application.
Full applications are reviewed twice a year by the most appropriate Funding Committee.
If successful, you will be short-listed for interview.
You will be notified at least two weeks prior to the interview date as to whether you have been short-listed. Interviews will be conducted at our offices in London.
Application advice
You should give careful thought to your choice of sponsor (and supervisor if applicable). Appropriate individuals will possess strong track records in research and mentorship.
You are expected to liaise closely with your proposed sponsor (and supervisor) when writing your proposal. It is hoped that all mentors will provide guidance during the application process, as well as support throughout the Career Re-entry Fellowship. Mentors should be prepared to provide informal guidance to help you integrate into your academic environment.
Sponsors and supervisors are encouraged to view their support and mentorship of a candidate as part of a longer-term commitment to help that candidate successfully return to a career in research.
We will take particular care to assess your track record in research before the career break and the appropriateness of the re-training strategy.
Reviewers typically assess:
- the scientific merit of the proposed project
- the significance of the science
- the suitability of the supervisor, sponsor, mentor and host environment.
You may not apply for more than one Wellcome Trust fellowship scheme at any one time.
Fellowships must be taken up within one year of award.
Resubmissions are not encouraged.
Alternative funding schemes
Applicants who wish to return to research after a career break for family reasons may be interested in the following schemes offered by other funding organisations:
Deadlines
Applications for this scheme are considered twice a year usually in March and September.
- Next preliminary application deadline: 8 March 2010
- Invited full application deadline: 24 May 2010
- Funding Committee review: October 2010
- Short-listed candidates interviews: December 2010
Schedule for full applications submitted for 30 November 2009 deadline:
- Funding Committee review: April/May 2010
- Short-listed candidate interviews: June 2010
Late applications will not be accepted at any stage.
Contacts
Enquiries may be directed to the appropriate stream, or by telephone to the Grants Management Helpdesk: +44 (0)20 7611 2020.
Immunology and Infectious Disease
E
iid@wellcome.ac.uk
Populations and Public Health
E
pph@wellcome.ac.uk
Neuroscience and Mental Health
E
nmh@wellcome.ac.uk
Physiological Sciences
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phs@wellcome.ac.uk
Molecules, Genes and Cells
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mgc@wellcome.ac.uk
See Contact us for our postal address.