Applications are invited by the Managers of the Herchel Smith Postdoctoral Research Fellowships Fund for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics at the University of Cambridge. This prestigious fellowship offers an outstanding early-career researcher the opportunity to focus exclusively on independent research within the field of Pure Mathematics.
Scholarship Overview
| Designation | Herchel Smith Research Fellow (Fixed Term) |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | University of Cambridge |
| Department | Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics (DPMMS) |
| Research Area | Pure Mathematics |
| Location | Cambridge, United Kingdom |
| Stipend / Salary | Grade 7 (£38,448 per annum) plus an annual research allowance of up to £13,000 |
| Tenure | Fixed term (up to 3 years, starting from 1 October 2027 or by agreement) |
| Closing Date | 7 December 2026 |
Designation
Herchel Smith Research Fellow (Postdoctoral Research Fellow)
Research Area
Pure Mathematics
Location
Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Scholarship Description
The Herchel Smith Postdoctoral Research Fellowship is designed to support an exceptionally motivated scholar who has demonstrated a proven capacity for independent research. The award enables the fellow to concentrate entirely on early-career research, nurture academic leadership, and generate work of international significance within Pure Mathematics. Fellows are required to undertake their research on a full-time basis in Cambridge and will typically collaborate closely with an established research group within the department.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following criteria as stipulated under Dr Herchel Smith’s bequest:
- Must hold a PhD degree, or equivalent, obtained within the last three years at any university (normally excluding the University of Cambridge and Harvard University).
- Must have less than three years of postdoctoral experience by the time the fellowship commences.
- Demonstrated record of outstanding academic excellence.
- A high-quality, highly original research proposal aligned with the department’s interests.
- Clear evidence of independence and potential as a future research leader.
- Eligible to live and work in the United Kingdom.
How to Apply
Eligible candidates must register and apply online via the University of Cambridge job recruitment portal. When submitting your application, you must upload the following required documents:
- Curriculum Vitae: Maximum of two pages outlining your academic career, qualifications, and publications to date (excluding papers in preparation).
- Project Summary: A one-page summary highlighting your proposed research project, with primary research areas clearly specified at the top.
- Project Description: A detailed overview of your proposed project showing synergy with the research interests of the department.
- Publications List: A document listing up to four of your strongest papers or preprints with direct hyperlinks (do not upload full text files).
- Referee Details: Names and email addresses of two referees (at least one familiar with your work in your primary research field). Referees will be asked to upload letters before 14 December 2026.
Please quote vacancy reference LF51564 in your application and any related correspondence.
Last Date for Apply
The application deadline is 7 December 2026. (Referee reports must be submitted before 14 December 2026; online interviews are expected to take place in mid-January).
Apply Link
Click Here to Apply Online for the Herchel Smith Research Fellowship
