Herchel Smith Research Fellow in Organic/Biological Chemistry

Herchel Smith Research Fellow in Organic/Biological Chemistry

University of Cambridge - Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry

Placed On: 3rd November 2025
Closes: 7th December 2025
Job Ref: MA47794

Department/Location: Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry

The Managers of the Herchel Smith Postdoctoral Research Fellowships Fund invite applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship, tenable from 1 October 2026, to pursue research within the field of organic or biological chemistry, broadly interpreted. The Fellowship is intended to provide an opportunity for an outstanding and highly motivated scholar to focus exclusively on research at an early stage in his/her academic career, to develop academic potential, and to produce research of an international standard within the field. The Fellow will be assigned to and work in collaboration with an established research group in the Department of Chemistry, but will be expected to exhibit a significant degree of independence.

In accordance with Dr Smith's will, applicants must have obtained their PhD degree, or equivalent, at any university (but excluding Cambridge and Harvard) no earlier than 1 December 2022. Fellowships can be offered only to those with less than three years of post-doctoral experience at the time the Fellowship is taken up. Allowance will be made for career breaks. In addition to holding a PhD or equivalent, candidates should provide evidence of: outstanding academic excellence; a high quality and original research proposal; and evidence of their potential as an independent researcher.

As well as a stipend on the University's post-doctoral research associate scale, there is a significant research allowance, which can be used for laboratory consumables, travel, or hiring a summer intern.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Applications should include a cover letter, CV, publications list, a research proposal (up to four pages), and the names and contact details of three academic referees. The cover letter should indicate which research group(s) in the Department of Chemistry the applicant would be interested in joining. Applicants are recommended to contact potential research supervisors before submitting their application.

Information about research in the Department of Chemistry is given at: http://www.ch.cam.ac.uk

We anticipate holding interviews in January 2026.

Please quote reference MA47794 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.