MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology

One of the world's leading research institutes, our scientists are working to advance understanding of biological processes at the molecular level - providing the knowledge needed to solve key problems in human health.

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RISING TALENT FELLOWSHIP

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is proud to launch the next application round of its three-year fully funded fellowship for scientists from Black heritage backgrounds.

The LMB has a proud history of training generations of scientists who have gone on to great things across the biomedical sciences and beyond.

We want to enable scientists of Black heritage who are brimming with potential and passion for molecular biology and the biomedical sciences to learn and grow their experience in our unique collaborative research environment based in our state-of-the-art building on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

The LMB will provide support for Fellows to move their career forward including a generous training budget and mentoring from LMB scientists.

While the paucity of Black scientists is evident across the UK’s higher education sector, the LMB is committed to playing its part to improve the representation of Black heritage scientists and to provide role models for future generations of scientists.

This is why we are offering targeted funding for two Fellows every year.

About the LMB Rising Talent Fellowship

This Fellowship is a three-year training and development position for scientists who have recently completed their doctoral studies, are moving into a new research discipline or have limited experience of key transferable skills.

For details about what the Fellowship will involve see the full role description.

For full information about the Fellowship and how to apply see the Additional Information document.

Eligibility criteria

This scheme is open to those who:

Applicants must be either:

  • Self-identify as being from a Black heritage background, including a mixed Black heritage background.
  • Have PhD or Postdoc experience in a relevant scientific area (minimum 6 months away from submitting PhD)

Benefits

  • £39,375 per year for a three-year, fixed-term training position.
  • Generous allowance for training, conference attendance and development, is also available (up to £5k over the 3 years).
  • Research consumables included.
  • Excellent pension package with generous UKRI contribution (16%).
  • Generous annual leave allowance of up to 30 days per year.
  • Additional 10.5 paid public holidays.

Other benefits include:

  • Flexible working options
  • Employee assistance programme
  • Family friendly building and policies
  • UKRI Rent Deposit Loan
  • UKRI Season Ticket Loan
  • Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities
  • Cycle-to-work scheme
  • Opportunity for guidance on relocation

Support available

Support available

  • Support from the start – please get in touch to discuss anything about this scheme
  • Induction and buddy system for new starters
  • Training and development programme
  • Mentoring and coaching
  • Peer to peer support

Download the Additional Information document for more details.

Start Date

Start date is flexible but between early October and end December 2025 is preferred. This can be extended if needed.

How to apply

Applications for the 2025 round will open on 20 January 2025.

  1. Express interest

    Candidates are invited to express interest in the Fellowship and to get in touch with the Fellowship team if this would be helpful. We welcome requests for informal discussions via phone or Zoom about the application process and what support we can provide to help with the next stages of the process. Such discussions, and the content of the calls, will not influence any subsequent decisions made. Email us to request a 30-minute call. We will be more than happy to chat to you!

  2. Complete application

    Eligible candidates can apply on the LMB website.

    You will need to upload:

    Narrative CVs provide the space to explain the context of your achievements and your contributions to research. See resources on Narrative CVs for further guidance.

    Detailed information about the application process and what details you should provide in your application documents can be found in the Additional Information document:

    Candidates are encouraged to speak to relevant LMB Group Leaders to learn more about their research. This will help applicants with their application, and will ensure a strong scientific alignment with the LMB’s scientific programme. Please get in touch if you would like help with contacting the scientists here.

    The deadline for applying online is 23:55 Sunday 23 March 2025

  3. Shortlisting stage

    A panel of LMB scientists will assess all eligible applications and will select the best candidates for interview using the criteria in the job description.If they have not already done so, shortlisted candidates should speak to relevant LMB Group Leaders to help with steer the application ensuring a strong scientific fit with the LMB’s scientific programme.

  4. Interviews

    Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed during the week beginning 21 April 2025.Candidates will be asked to present their research to date outlining their scientific achievements and challenges, key areas of discovery and areas of future interest. This will be followed by an assessment of scientific competency, curiosity, motivation and passion via a question and answer session.Candidates unsuccessful at this stage will receive feedback about their application. They will also be supported to apply again in future rounds. Please email the Fellowship Team if you have any questions.

  5. Start Date

    For successful candidates the start date is flexible but ideally between early October and end December 2025 is preferred. This can be extended if needed.For full information download the Additional Information document.

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