Are you an early-career researcher looking to launch an independent research career at one of the world’s top universities? The Imperial College Research Fellowships (ICRF) 2025 are now open to international applicants. These Postdoctoral Fellowships UK hosted by Imperial College London, support outstanding postdoctoral researchers across engineering, natural sciences, medicine, and business.

The ICRF scheme is designed to empower the next generation of research leaders, offering four years of funding, a competitive salary, generous research support, and world-class mentorship at one of the Top 10 global universities.

Imperial College Research Fellowship 2025 Overview

Host Institution: Imperial College London
Country: United Kingdom
Fellowship Level: Postdoctoral / Early Career Researcher
Funding Duration: 4 years (fixed-term)
Salary: £48,056 – £56,345 per year
Research Budget: Up to £30,000 (or £45,000 if fully justified)
Application Deadline: August 18, 2025
Open to: All nationalities (UK & international applicants welcome)

Fellowship Benefits

Full-time employment contract with competitive salary
Up to £45,000 in research and travel expenses
International mobility: spend up to 12 months at other institutions or industries worldwide
No mandatory teaching load, but optional co-supervision and guest lecturing
Career development through Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI)
Enhanced parental leave & staff well-being benefits
Dedicated career development training and support through I-X Centre for AI in Science for selected fellows

Fellowship Tracks and Research Fields

All STEM + Business Fields Welcomed, Including:

Engineering (Chemical, Bio, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Materials, Design)
Natural Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Environmental Policy)
Medical Sciences (Neuroscience, Immunology, Infectious Disease, Public Health)
AI & Data Science (via the Schmidt Sciences-supported AI in Science Theme)
Sustainability, Robotics, Climate Research, Energy Systems
Business Innovation, Financial Resilience, Health Management, Sustainability

Schmidt Sciences – AI in Science Theme (Optional)

Selected ICRF candidates can join the Schmidt Sciences AI in Science cohort, located at Imperial’s I-X Centre. Fellows in this stream receive additional training, a co-mentoring program, and engage in cutting-edge interdisciplinary research applying AI to scientific challenges.

Eligibility Criteria

Must hold a PhD (or equivalent) at the time of application
Max 4 years post-PhD (career breaks, discipline changes considered)
Candidates who already hold intermediate fellowships or lectureships are ineligible
Open to UK and international researchers
A confirmed Imperial sponsor (senior faculty) is required prior to submission
Must not have had a supervisory relationship with the proposed sponsor post-PhD
Proposal must be hosted at one of Imperial’s departments across faculties

How to Apply for ICRF 2025

Step-by-Step Process:

Step 1: Contact your sponsor and department early (before July 2025)

Click Here to Read the Details and Application Procedure for Postdoctoral Fellowships in UK

Step 2: Prepare required documents:

Research proposal & budget form
Sponsor details form
Optional: co-sponsor (Francis Crick Institute), publications, collaborator letters

Step 3: Submit application via Imperial’s TalentLink portal (Ref: NAT01920)

Step 4: Ensure two confidential reference letters are submitted by referees directly to researchfellowships@imperial.ac.uk by August 18, 2025

Visit the Application Page for Guidelines & Forms

Why Imperial College London?

Ranked Top 10 globally (QS World Rankings)
Home to cutting-edge research facilities like the White City Innovation Campus
Network of 20,000+ researchers, innovators, and collaborators
Dynamic location in London, a hub for science, tech, and culture
Committed to equity, diversity, and supporting international talent

Apply Now!

Don’t miss the chance to join Imperial’s prestigious postdoctoral community. The ICRF 2025 offers you the platform to launch an independent academic career, secure research funding, and build your global scientific reputation.