The University of Cambridge has announced one of its most prestigious research opportunities for early-career scientists—the Herchel Smith Postdoctoral Research Fellowships 2026, offering six (06) positions across the School of Biological Sciences (SBS) and the School of the Physical Sciences (SPS).
Applications are now open for talented researchers aiming to begin independent academic work at one of the world’s most renowned institutions.
A Transformative Research Opportunity at Cambridge
Set to commence on 1 October 2026, the Herchel Smith Fellowships are designed to support promising postdoctoral researchers in pursuing independent, innovative research in Cambridge. Up to four (04) fellowships will be awarded under the School of Biological Sciences, and two under the School of the Physical Sciences.
The SPS Fellowships this year will spotlight Condensed Matter & Materials research—opening avenues in departments such as Physics, Materials Science & Metallurgy, and Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP). Fellows are encouraged to work closely with established research groups, benefiting from Cambridge’s world-class mentorship and facilities.
Herchel Smith Fellowship Package
Selected fellows will receive:
- A competitive salary on the University’s Postdoctoral Research Associate scale
- Annual research funding up to £15,000 to support independent projects
- A fixed-term contract of up to three years for uninterrupted research work
- Full access to Cambridge’s resources, libraries, laboratories, and collaborative networks
This program provides a rare chance to launch a self-driven research career at a globally recognized institution while maintaining creative autonomy.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must fulfill the following conditions as specified in Dr. Herchel Smith’s will:
- Hold a PhD (or equivalent) awarded within the past three (03) years by 1 October 2026
- Must not have received their PhD from Cambridge or Harvard University
- Must be eligible to live and work in the United Kingdom
The program is ideal for emerging scholars seeking to make a global impact in science and build a solid foundation for future academic leadership.
Application Process
Interested candidates are required to submit their application through the University of Cambridge recruitment system. Applications must include:
- Host Support Letter: Confirmation from a relevant SBS or SPS Department willing to host the proposed project
- Project Summary & Motivation Statement (max. 600 words): Explaining the research idea, departmental alignment, and expected outcomes
- Curriculum Vitae (max. 3 pages): Detailing academic qualifications, publications, and achievements
- Two Reference Letters: To be uploaded at the time of submission
Applicants are encouraged to contact potential hosts early to ensure departmental support for their proposals.
Application Dates to Remember
The application process for the Herchel Smith Postdoctoral Research Fellowships 2026 at the University of Cambridge is now open, giving international researchers ample time to prepare their materials. The application deadline is set for 7 December 2025, and successful candidates will be notified of the results in mid-March 2026. Selected fellows will begin their research journey at Cambridge on 1 October 2026, or at a later date by mutual agreement.
Why Apply?
This is more than a fellowship—it’s a launchpad for independent scientific discovery at Cambridge. The Herchel Smith Postdoctoral Research Fellowship offers an unparalleled environment to collaborate with leading experts, access advanced research infrastructure, and push the boundaries of innovation in biological and physical sciences.
International researchers passionate about contributing to global scientific advancement are encouraged to seize this opportunity and apply before the deadline.