Job description

Applications are invited for the prestigious King’s College London Prize Fellowships. These fellowships seek to recruit outstanding postdoctoral basic or translational scientists who are looking to establish their own independent research careers. These awards will provide a generous salary plus running expenses (c£20K) for 24 months.  They will enable appointees to establish their own research programme at King’s and to compete for intermediate-level post-doctoral fellowships from Research Councils, the Wellcome Trust and other funders. The awards may be held in any part of King’s College London but must be focused on biomedical or health-related research.

This post will be offered on a fixed term contract for 24 months.

This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent.

Key responsibilities

• To design and conduct a range of experiments in relation to the project.   
• To prepare and present findings of research activity to colleagues for review purposes. 
• To draft and submit papers to appropriate peer reviewed journals.   
• To prepare and submit future research funding applications. 
• To contribute to the overall activity of the research team and department as required. 
• To hold responsibility for ensuring that equipment is safe and maintained in working order and assist with laboratory upkeep.  
• To comply at all times with the requirements of the Health and Safety regulations with responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of others in the working environment  
• To ensure confidentiality on all matters and information obtained during the course of your employment. 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Essential criteria

1. Higher degree (MD, PhD or equivalent) in a relevant subject area: must have submitted PhD thesis before taking up the post 
2. Demonstration of understanding of, and commitment to, an academic career 
3. Evidence of team working skills 
4. Demonstration of the potential for scientific independence and the ability to lead a research team 
5. Significant publications in peer reviewed journals 
6. Potential to become a leader in your chosen field 

Desirable criteria

1. Prizes or distinctions 
2. Postdoctoral research experience in an internationally renowned laboratory (we would normally expect at least 3 years postdoctoral experience). 

Further information

Applications should be made via the King’s recruitment system and must include:   

• Cover letter (1 page). The cover letter should give an indication of fellowship applications planned or pending. 
• Résumé for Researcher (2 pages). This should answer the following questions: 

1. How have you contributed to the generation of knowledge?
2. How have you contributed to the development of individuals?
3. How have you contributed to the wider research community?
4. How have you contributed to broader society?

See here for more information about these questions: https://royalsociety.org/topics-policy/projects/research-culture/tools-for-support/resume-for-researchers/. A template is also available to download from the Royal Society. 

• CV (including 2 referees) including full list of publications (any length) 
• Outline of the proposed research programme (4 pages)  
• Explanation of choice of host Research Department and academic sponsor (1 page) 
• Letter of support from proposed academic sponsor including confirmation from the relevant Head of Department that they would host the fellowship if successful (any length)    

Please combine these attachments into a single document and upload it in the recruitment system.

Interviews for shortlisted applicants will be held in the week beginning the 4th of March 2024.