Joining PDN as a Principal Investigator

There are two main routes to joining the Department as a Principal Investigator:

1. Lectureships 

Apply for advertised academic positions via jobs.cam.ac.uk, which can be accessed via the ‘Vacancies at PDN’ section of our website.

2. Career Development Fellowships (CDFs) 

Apply for externally funded fellowships that support the transition to an independent research career. These are funded by a range of external bodies, each with their own deadlines. In some cases, funding may cover the full cost of research activity for the duration of the award.

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Career Development Fellowships (CDFs)

CDFs provide start-up funding to enable exceptional postdoctoral researchers from around the world to establish their own research group within a UK host institution. Awards typically last 5–8 years, depending on the funder.

The Department welcomes applications from candidates whose research complements and strengthens existing activity at PDN. We particularly encourage interdisciplinary proposals that bridge research areas across the Department.

Application Process for Departmental Support

To be considered for departmental support for a CDF application:

Initial submission 

Submit the following to hodsec@pdn.cam.ac.uk by the relevant Departmental evaluation deadline (see below):

  • A short research proposal (maximum 2 pages) outlining current and future plans
  • A CV
  •  A brief motivation statement

Review and shortlisting 

Applications are reviewed by the Research Strategy Committee three times per year. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to visit the Department to:

  • Present a seminar
  • Meet with academic staff
     

The visit assesses:

  • The quality and feasibility of the research programme
  • Competitiveness for external fellowship funding
  • Alignment with departmental priorities

Departmental support 

Following the visit, successful candidates will be notified and assigned a departmental mentor to support the fellowship application process.

Timelines for Departmental evaluation for CDF support:

Applications are considered by the Department at three points during the year:

  • Mid-November
  • Mid-March
  • Early June

Applications must be submitted one week in advance of the relevant Committee meeting. For exact dates, please contact hodsec@pdn.cam.ac.uk.

Planning Your Application

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Department at least 9 months before their intended fellowship deadline.

Please also note:

  • The University Research Operations Office requires 4 weeks’ notice before the funder deadline to confirm intent to submit.
  • A fully completed application must be submitted at least 7 working days before the funder deadline for institutional approval.

Example Fellowship Schemes

(This list is indicative and will be updated)