Herchel Smith Postdoctoral Research Fellowships at the University of Cambridge 2026

Omran Aburayya
Oct 28
5 min read

If you are seeking a top-tier postdoctoral opportunity in a world-leading research environment, the Herchel Smith Postdoctoral Research Fellowships at the the University of Cambridge are now open for applications. These fellowships are designed to empower early-stage researchers in the biological and physical sciences to conduct independent, high-impact research in Cambridge, with strong institutional support. In the 2026/27 round, up to six fellowships (four in biological sciences, two in physical sciences, focusing on condensed matter & materials) are being offered, to commence around 1 October 2026 (or by negotiation) . Here's everything you need to know.

🎓 Fellowship summary

Location: University of Cambridge, UK
Faculties: Schools of Biological Sciences (SBS) and Physical Sciences (SPS)
Level: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
Target group: Early-career researchers who have recently completed their PhD (within last three years)
Fields of Research (2026 round):
- Biological Sciences (various fields within SBS)
- Physical Sciences: “Condensed Matter & Materials” (hostable in Physics, Materials Science & Metallurgy, DAMTP / Applied Mathematics & Theoretical Physics)
Coverage:
- Salary on the University’s Postdoctoral Research Associate scale (range for recent advertisement: ~ £37,694 to £46,049 )
- Annual research allowance of up to £15,000
Duration: Up to 3 years (minimum 2 years)
Application deadline: 30 November 2025
Notification of outcome: Mid-March 2026
Start date / commencement: 1 October 2026 (or by negotiation)

📚 Fellowship overview

The Herchel Smith Fellowships are governed by a generous bequest established via the will of Dr. Herchel Smith. The scheme aims to support early-stage researchers of exceptional promise, enabling them to devote themselves entirely to research in Cambridge at an early stage of their career.

Each award is a fixed-term contract for up to three years, depending on the candidate’s proposal and the funding allocation . Fellows are expected to work full time in Cambridge and carry out their research independently, though often in close collaboration with established research groups or departments .

One distinctive feature is that the Fellowships attempt to mirror the terms of leading UK research fellowships, offering generous research support and access to Cambridge’s rich institutional infrastructure (departments, colleges, laboratory support). The scheme also encourages Fellows to link with Cambridge Colleges so that they benefit from broader academic and social integration into university life .

The number of fellowships awarded each year is limited: typically 7–8 in total, divided across the Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, and occasionally in Pure Mathematics, depending on departmental decisions and strength of applications.

In the 2026/27 round, up to six fellowships are offered: four in SBS, two in SPS (focusing on Condensed Matter & Materials) . The SPS ones may be hosted in Physics, Materials Science & Metallurgy, or DAMTP (Applied Mathematics & Theoretical Physics) .

🎁 Benefits & support

Salary: Fellows receive a competitive salary on Cambridge’s Postdoctoral Research Associate scale. For the advertised 2026 round, that is approximately £37,694 to £46,049 per year.
Research allowance: Up to £15,000 per year to cover research expenses (e.g. consumables, travel, conferences)
Contract length: Up to 3 years, with no mandatory teaching requirement (unless agreed)
Relocation support: As per the scheme’s Terms & Conditions, relocation costs may be considered (check the detailed T&Cs)
Institutional access: Fellows have access to Cambridge departmental resources, labs, libraries, and often affiliation with a Cambridge College for broader academic engagement.
Independence + collaboration: Fellows are encouraged to set their own research direction while interacting with departmental research groups for synergy and mentorship.
Professional growth: The prestige and visibility of the fellowship can strengthen future academic career prospects.

✅ Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for the Herchel Smith Postdoctoral Fellowship, applicants generally must satisfy the following conditions:

PhD completion window: The PhD (or equivalent qualification) must have been awarded within three years prior to application. For the 2026 round, that means on or after 30 November 2022.
Exclusion of Cambridge/Harvard PhD holders: Applicants who obtained their PhD from Cambridge or Harvard are ineligible, per Dr. Smith’s will.
Early-career stage: Typically, candidates should have less than three years of postdoctoral research experience when starting the fellowship, with allowances for career breaks (e.g. parental leave).
Academic distinction: Evidence of outstanding academic performance, strong publications, research promise, and originality.
Project alignment & departmental host support: Applicants must identify and secure a host department (in SBS or SPS) willing to support the proposal, with a Host Support Letter from the relevant department(s).
Eligibility to live and work in the UK: Fellows must satisfy legal requirements to live and work in the UK (visa, immigration) as per University policy.

📝 Application procedure

To apply, you must submit an application via Cambridge’s online recruitment system (jobs portal). Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

🗂️ Documents and components required:

Host Support Letter(s): One from the relevant department(s) indicating their willingness to host and support your proposed research project. If applying across departments, each must submit a letter.
Project Summary & Motivation Statement: A document (usually capped at ~6,000 words) combining research objectives, departmental/group choice, and personal motivation for the proposal. Some rounds mention “max. 600 words” for the summary portion, so check the exact guidelines.
Full Project Description: A more detailed articulation of research plan, methodology, expected outcomes, timeline, and how you would integrate with the host group. (Often detailed in internal departmental guidelines, not always explicitly repeated in the high-level ad)
Curriculum Vitae (CV): Typically maximum of 3 pages; should list academic qualifications, career history, publications, etc. Include hyperlinks to your three most significant publications.
References: Two reference letters. You must ensure referees are available and contactable throughout the selection period. Some systems require referees to submit letters via the recruitment system.
Any additional required forms: As per the recruitment portal instructions (e.g. referees’ contact details, ethics statements, declarations)

📅 Key timeline & steps:

Identify and contact a prospective host (in the relevant Cambridge department) well in advance, to align research interests and secure support.
Prepare your research proposal and supporting documents (CV, references) in compliance with the scheme’s specifications.
Submit application via Cambridge’s online recruitment portal by the deadline (30 November 2025 for 2026 round)
Referees upload letters (if the system requires) during the application review period.
Notification of outcome is expected around mid-March 2026.
Fellowship commencement usually from 1 October 2026, unless by negotiation.

ℹ️ Tips & additional information

The scheme is highly competitive. Emphasize the originality, feasibility, and clarity of your proposal, and how it complements and integrates into the host department’s strengths.
Engage early with potential hosts in Cambridge departments relevant to your field (SBS or SPS). A strong support letter from a Cambridge faculty member can significantly strengthen the application.
Highlight how your track record (even at early stage) shows independence, research excellence, and capacity to deliver.
Use the research allowance wisely in your proposal (e.g. travel, consumables, collaboration) to show pragmatism and planning.
Factor in logistics: visa / immigration, relocation planning, and institutional onboarding. Check Cambridge’s support for international researchers.
Pay attention to formatting, page limits, and word counts—non-compliance may result in rejection before review.
The prestige of a Herchel Smith Fellowship not only supports you for 2–3 years but can open doors to future funding, academic positions, and networks in the UK and globally.