Jesus College, University of Cambridge is inviting applications for three Research Fellowships for early-career researchers who are nearing completion of their PhD or have recently started their postdoctoral careers.
The fellowships provide an opportunity to spend three years developing research within the academic environment of the University of Cambridge, with a starting remuneration of £32,882, additional benefits and research support.
Two of the fellowships are available across selected Arts and Humanities subjects, while one fellowship is available in the Sciences.
About the Jesus College Research Fellowships
The Research Fellowships are designed for researchers at the early stages of their academic careers.
The fellowships are normally three years in duration and are expected to commence on 1 October 2027.
The opportunity is particularly suitable for candidates who are:
- Graduate students in the latter stages of research leading to a PhD; or
- Postdoctoral researchers who have recently been awarded their PhD.
Jesus College notes that candidates who have undertaken more than five years of full-time research are unlikely to be considered. However, the College may consider exceptions where candidates are able to present a case explaining their circumstances as part of the application.
Research Fellowship Areas
Arts Research Fellowships
Two Research Fellowships are available in the following subject areas:
- Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic (ASNC)
- Education Studies
- English
- Law
- Modern Languages
- Theology
Applicants should ensure that their proposed research fits clearly within one of the advertised subject areas.
Science Research Fellowship
A separate Research Fellowship is available in the Sciences.
The Science fellowship provides an opportunity for an early-career researcher to develop their research within the Cambridge academic environment.
Who Should Apply?
The fellowships are intended for brilliant early-career researchers who are beginning to establish themselves as independent scholars.
Applicants may be:
- Current PhD students who are approaching completion of their doctoral research.
- Researchers who have recently completed a PhD.
- Early-career postdoctoral researchers.
Candidates who have undertaken more than five years of full-time research are generally unlikely to be considered, although exceptions may be possible.
The College is looking for researchers who can demonstrate the importance and potential of their current and proposed research.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful candidates will receive several financial and academic benefits throughout the fellowship.
£32,882 Starting Remuneration
The remuneration for a Research Fellow is determined by reference to the University of Cambridge salary scale and starts at £32,882.
Three-Year Fellowship
The fellowship provides funding and support for three years, normally commencing on 1 October 2027.
This gives early-career researchers valuable time to develop their research, publications and academic profile.
Free Meals
Research Fellows receive a free dinner or lunch at Jesus College, regardless of whether they live in College or elsewhere.
Research Benefits
Certain research-related expenses may be reimbursed, providing additional support for fellows undertaking their academic work.
Pension
Research Fellows may also be eligible to join the University Pension Scheme.
Application Requirements
Candidates will need to complete the application process through the Jesus College Research Fellowship application system.
Applications must include the required information and supporting materials.
Shortlisted candidates will subsequently be asked to provide:
- One sample of written work, up to a maximum of 40,000 words.
- A 500-word statement explaining the importance of their current and proposed research.
- Reports from two referees.
Applicants should therefore begin preparing their research materials and contacting potential referees well ahead of the deadline.
What Should Your Research Statement Demonstrate?
The 500-word statement provides shortlisted candidates with an opportunity to explain why their research matters.
Applicants should use this space to clearly communicate:
- The significance of their current research.
- The direction of their proposed research.
- Why the proposed work is important.
- How their research could contribute to their academic field.
- Their potential as an early-career researcher.
A clear and focused research proposal can help demonstrate the intellectual value and future potential of the candidate’s work.
Application Timeline
Applications Open: 3 August 2026
Application Deadline: 30 September 2026
Closing Time: 5:00 PM
Fellowship Start Date: 1 October 2027
Duration: Three years
Location: Jesus College, Cambridge, United Kingdom
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the Jesus College Research Fellowship application portal.
Application Portal
Apply through the Jesus College Research Fellowship Portal
Applicants can also find additional information about the vacancies and fellowship opportunities on the College’s official website.
Jesus College Vacancies and Fellowships
Important Information for Applicants
Candidates should carefully review the official fellowship details before applying.
In particular, applicants should consider their career stage. These fellowships are specifically intended for early-career researchers, and candidates with more than five years of full-time research are unlikely to be considered unless they can provide a convincing explanation for an exception.
Shortlisted applicants should also be prepared to submit substantial written work of up to 40,000 words and a concise 500-word research statement.
It is therefore advisable to prepare application materials well before the deadline and ensure that referees have sufficient time to submit their reports.
Why Apply?
The Jesus College Research Fellowships provide an opportunity for emerging researchers to develop their academic careers within one of the world’s most recognised university environments.
Beyond the financial remuneration, fellows can benefit from the College’s academic community, research support and opportunities to interact with researchers across different disciplines.
For researchers transitioning from doctoral study into independent research, a three-year fellowship can provide valuable time to strengthen their research portfolio, develop publications and establish themselves within their field.
Conclusion
The Jesus College Cambridge Research Fellowships 2027 offer three early-career researchers the opportunity to undertake supported research at Jesus College, University of Cambridge.
With a starting remuneration of £32,882, a three-year fellowship, research-related benefits, free College meals and potential access to the University Pension Scheme, the opportunity provides substantial support for researchers at the beginning of their academic careers.
The fellowships are open across the Sciences, ASNC, Education Studies, English, Law, Modern Languages and Theology, making the opportunity relevant to researchers from a range of academic disciplines.
If you are completing your PhD or have recently received your doctorate and are looking for an opportunity to develop your research in Cambridge, this fellowship is worth considering.
Application Deadline: 30 September 2026 at 5:00 PM.
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