The Cambridge Philosophical Society Henslow Fellowship 2026

THE CAMBRIDGE PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY HENSLOW FELLOWSHIP 2026

Applications are invited for a Research Fellowship in science, starting on 1 October 2026 and tenable for three years. The Fellowship, which is sponsored by the Cambridge Philosophical Society, is open to graduates of any university working in the fields of Natural Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science and Clinical Sciences. It is open to graduates of any university with no age limit, but is intended to support those at an early stage in their academic careers, and will normally be awarded to a candidate who has recently completed a Ph.D. or is close to completion. It is expected that the holder of the Fellowship will pursue full-time research based in Cambridge.

The competition involves assessment of candidates’ submitted work and interview. Potential applicants should note that the standard needed to progress to the later stages of the competition is extremely high.

The appointed Research Fellow is required to provide the equivalent of between four and six hours of paid supervision teaching per week during the twenty weeks of the teaching year; in some circumstances, this requirement may be reduced in the first year of Fellowship. Of these hours, four per week will be at an enhanced rate of pay under a Category Aa Lectureship contract; additional hours up to the permitted maximum will be paid at the standard inter-collegiate rate.

The present salary scale (from 1 August 2025) for the fellowship is £42,254 and is subject to an annual Cost of Living review. The remuneration of the Fellowship is reviewed annually, is paid monthly in arrears by bank transfer and is pensionable under the Universities Superannuation Scheme. The Research Fellow may claim research expenses up to a total of £5,000 over the three years. Accommodation may be available, if required, at a subsidised rate and further details can be obtained on request.  All accommodation subsidies provided will be treated as a taxable benefit by the HMRC although College will pay the tax. All Research Fellows are entitled to free Commons (i.e., meals) except when the College kitchens are closed.

• The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 12 January 2026
• Longlisted candidates will be invited to submit work by Wednesday 4 February 2026
• Interviews for shortlisted candidates will be held on Wednesday 18 March 2026

The College will cover the costs of travel within the UK to attend interviews and offer overnight accommodation. However, it cannot pay for international travel; overseas candidates may be interviewed online.

Further details of the appointment and the online application process are available from the College website (Further Particulars). Applications should be made online using the Fellowship Application System, click the 'Apply' buton above. 

Please note that the College has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

The College is an Inclusive and Equal Opportunities employer and cares for and looks after its employees, ensuring fair and equal treatment. Any necessary adjustments will be considered to the above in keeping with the requirements of the Equalities Act 2010. Applications are welcome from candidates of all backgrounds particularly from those belonging to groups that are underrepresented among Cambridge Colleges.

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