The Career Development Fellowship (CDF) is a four-year postdoctoral research fellowship designed to promote diversity and support researchers from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM fields.
Initially, the scheme will focus on researchers from Black heritage as a pilot program. If successful, it may expand to include researchers from other underrepresented groups.
Through this process, it has been identified that interventions are needed at various stages of the academic pipeline to assist researchers from Black or Mixed Black African, Black Caribbean, or other Black heritage backgrounds, particularly during the transition from postgraduate to early postdoctoral stages.
The fellowships will offer funding for conducting high-quality research and a comprehensive range of mentoring, training, and networking opportunities. These resources aim to support award recipients in establishing a successful research career in the United Kingdom.
Benefits
- The fellowship offers up to £690,000 over a four-year period, which covers the Research Fellow’s salary and associated on-costs (at 80%), directly allocated costs (at 80%), and research expenses.
- There is a comprehensive program in place that includes high-quality training, mentoring, and opportunities for engagement, aimed at supporting career development.
- The scheme also provides flexibility to accommodate personal circumstances, such as the option for part-time work. Furthermore, provision is made for maternity, paternity, adoptive, or extended sick leave.
- Applicants are allowed to request relocation and visa costs for themselves and their dependents, including partners and children. These costs can be requested in addition to the total grant cap of £690,000 over four years.
Eligibility Criteria
- The research must align with the Royal Society’s natural sciences domain, encompassing fields like biological research, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, and physics. For a comprehensive list, please refer to the breakdown of subject groups and supported areas provided by the Royal Society.
- You are eligible to be among the participants in the pilot program if:
- You identify yourself as having a Black heritage, including a mixed Black background.
- You possess a Ph.D. or will have obtained one before the funding commences, but you have less than 24 months of post-doctoral experience.
- Both researchers from the UK and those from outside the UK who wish to conduct their research in the UK are qualified to apply.
How to Apply
Make sure to send in your application before January 24th, 2024. You can only do so once all parties involved in the application process, such as the Head of Department and the nominated referee, have finished their sections of the form and clicked on ‘save and submit.
- To Apply for this opportunity, click on the provided link.
For more information on the Royal Society Career Development Fellowship 2024, please visit the official website.
Application Deadline
January 24, 2024.
