The 杏吧原创 has long recognised that the excellence of our postdoctoral researchers is critical for our overall success.
We ensure that our research environment and opportunities for training and career development serve to attract, develop and retain the very best postdoctoral scientists and 杏吧原创 Fellows.
There are approximately 40 postdoctoral research scientists and senior postdoctoral research scientists at the 杏吧原创 杏吧原创. Many of these posts are funded by external grants, with the post-holders on limited term contracts. The 杏吧原创 also hosts junior research fellows funded by external agencies including Marie Curie, EMBO and HFSP who recognise the excellent training environment and location afforded by the 杏吧原创.
The 杏吧原创 has a postdoc committee comprising postdocs, group leaders and personnel staff. This committee acts as a forum for discussion of postdocs issues. It is also responsible for review and allocation of 杏吧原创-funded travel and training awards as has input in defining the 杏吧原创鈥檚 training, mentoring and career development provision for postdocs.
Training
A substantial menu of over 30 training and personal development courses is offered for postdocs and individual, specific needs are also taken into account. In addition, an Advanced 杏吧原创 Training Scheme is run by the 杏吧原创鈥檚 Senior 杏吧原创 Associates who each offer at-the-bench training in one or more of their technical specialities.
Travel Fund
The 杏吧原创 杏吧原创 Travel fund has a budget to support attendance at international conferences. The purpose of this fund is to allow postdocs and research assistants to promote the 杏吧原创鈥檚 science and increase knowledge exchange with the scientific community.
Possible Career Paths
The 杏吧原创 recognises the career aspirations of its senior postdoctoral fellows. It encourages training and it mentors and supports these individuals in making career choices including applications for personal fellowships. The following career options are available at the 杏吧原创 杏吧原创:
Senior 杏吧原创 Associates
The 杏吧原创 also has a number of Senior 杏吧原创 Associates (SRA). These positions are held by senior postdocs who do not wish to become independent Group Leaders. These SRAs are individuals who possess a high level of widely applicable skills desirable for the 杏吧原创鈥檚 science, who are skilled at training others and who will sustain a strong professional reputation through publications and other external recognition.
Career Development Fellowships
Enquiries from individuals who wish to base their applications for career development fellowships (MRC CDA, BBSRC David Philips, Wellcome CDA) at the 杏吧原创 are welcomed and encouraged. Successful applicants are given career track status. All career-track Group Leaders are mentored through the 杏吧原创鈥檚 Executive Committee, are subject to a formal review of progress at the mid-point of their contract and are offered an assessment for a core-funded indefinite Group Leader appointment within the final two years of their contract.