Senior Research Fellowships in Basic Biomedical Science
Purpose
This scheme provides support for outstanding postdoctoral scientists based in academic institutions in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
What's included
The fellowship is for five years in the first instance, and provides:
- a basic salary, as determined by the host institution (normally up to £55 000 pa) with an additional Trust supplement of £12 500 pa
- the essential costs of the research programme (e.g. consumables, equipment, research assistance, overseas allowances, collaborative travel and subsistence)
- an inflation/flexible funding allowance
- support to attend scientific meetings.
Fellowships may be taken up on a part-time employment basis where appropriate.
This fellowship is subject to competitive rolling scientific review every five years, and renewed awards will be funded on the basis that the Trust and the host institution will jointly fund the Senior Research Fellow's salary through a '50:50' partnership for the duration of any renewal period.
Eligibility
The fellowship is open to individuals with a relevant connection to the EEA.
You should have an excellent track record in your scientific field and be able to demonstrate your ability to carry out independent research. You should have between five and normally ten years' research experience (from the date of your viva to the date of your preliminary application) at postdoctoral level, or veterinary equivalent, and have a substantial record of publications in your chosen area of research in leading international journals.
Candidates that do not hold an established post may apply to remain in their current laboratory, to return to one where they have worked before or to move to a new laboratory in the UK or RoI.
Candidates that hold an established post are not eligible to apply for a fellowship to be held at their current employing institution. However, we are willing to consider a preliminary application where a candidate wishes to move institution and is able to make an appropriate justification for the move.
Sponsorship
You must have an eligible sponsor and host institution in the UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) who can guarantee space and resources for the tenure of the award. Candidates who propose to undertake fieldwork or research in a developing country may require an additional sponsor in the overseas institution.
The host institution sponsor:
- must have a contract of employment with the institution or, in the case of an NHS employee, an honorary academic appointment, with tenure beyond the duration of the proposed fellowship
- should give an undertaking that if an award is made, you should be granted the status and prerogatives of other academic staff of similar seniority
- should not expect you to spend more than eight hours per week on activities unrelated to the fellowship (e.g. teaching) during the first five years of the grant.
We anticipate that the outstanding scientists holding Senior Research Fellowship awards will be able to focus on their research throughout the duration of their fellowship.
Application process
A preliminary application form [Word 210KB] should be completed and submitted to the Trust no later than the published deadline.
Incomplete or incorrectly completed forms will not be accepted. Faxed applications will not be accepted. Please do not send any additional material.
Please refer to the guidance notes [Word 97KB] for full submission details. Both you and your sponsor should read these before you submit a preliminary application.
You will be notified in writing of your success, or otherwise, in reaching the next round of the competition. Decisions will not be available by telephone. In some instances, we may recommend that a candidate apply for a Research Career Development Fellowship.
Full application forms will usually be sent to short-listed candidates within one month of the preliminary deadline.
In the full application, if invited, the host institution will be required to confirm that it will support a successful renewal of the fellowship under the shared funding arrangement for the full period of any renewal.
Late applications at any stage will not be accepted.
Application advice
Reviewers typically assess:
- the calibre of the candidate
- the scientific merit of the proposed project
- the significance of the research
- the appropriateness of the application for the scheme
- the suitability of the sponsor and host environment.
You should give careful thought to your choice of sponsor and host department/research location. Your sponsor is encouraged to view his/her support and mentorship of you as part of a longer-term commitment to help you realise your career aspirations.
You may not apply for more than one Wellcome Trust fellowship scheme at any one time.
You are encouraged to contact the appropriate funding stream if you have any queries regarding the scheme, a potential application or career issues.
Deadlines
This is an annual competition – details of the 2010 round will be announced in the next few months.
- Preliminary application deadline: 5 June 2009
- Full application deadline: 11 September 2009
- Funding Committee review: February 2010
- Short-listed candidate interviews: March/April 2010
Late applications will not be accepted at any stage.
Fellowships must be started within one year of award.
Current award holders
Senior Research Fellowships in Basic Biomedical Science are tenable for up to five years in the first instance. They are subject to a competitive, rolling scientific review every five years; renewed awards are funded through a '50:50' partnership.
A full list of current Senior Research Fellows in Basic Biomedical Science is available.
Contacts
Enquiries may be directed to the appropriate funding 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
E
phs@wellcome.ac.uk
Molecules, Genes and Cells
E
mgc@wellcome.ac.uk