Opportunities for Independent Fellowships

Independent Research Fellowships in the Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh.

IMPS has an excellent record in recruitment and retention of fellows, and fellows play a key role in driving forward research in our community. We are looking to recruit candidates to support in fellowship applications for 2025/26.

Schemes we can support include (but are not limited to):

Wellcome Trust Career Development
UKRI Future Leaders
NERC Independent Research
Royal Society University Research (URF)
Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin
EPSRC
ERC Starting/Consolidator

IMPS is always looking to support applicants for junior fellowships such as (EMBO, HFSP, Leverhulme, MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships) but these can be discussed directly with a host lab.

We are open to all areas of expertise that fall within plant science.

What can IMPS offer?

IMPS research space will be newly refurbished in 2025 and is fully set up for all aspects of molecular plant science with access to communal equipment, state- of-the-art plant growth facilities, including 2,200 m2 of glasshouse space, a contained GroDome, and controlled environmental chambers (>550 m2) managed by highly experienced horticultural staff.

PhD students, MSc students and undergraduates from our Plant Science Honours programs contribute to a lively research community. Within IMPS there are teaching and outreach opportunities are supported at all levels and formal training is available within the School of Biological Sciences.

We are part of the Edinburgh Plant Science (EPS) network, which assembles over 600 plant scientists and social scientists from the Edinburgh area. This provides a collaborative network across food security, biodiversity and conservation science, environmental sustainability, and policy advice.

ESAT Policy

The School of Biological Sciences’ ESAT scheme (SBS-ESAT) was adopted in 2022 and aims to provide a single transparent and equitable scheme to oversee the recruitment, career development and retention of independent research fellows (IRFs) and to support the career development of junior fellows working towards independence.

For informal enquiries relating to support for fellowship schemes please contact:

IMPSHOI@ed.ac.uk

The Application Process

Potential applicants for externally funded independent research fellowships will be considered twice yearly with deadlines on 1st October and 1st March.

Please email the following documents to IMPSFellowsupport@ed.ac.uk:

1. 2 page CV

Using R4RI format (Narrative CV) to provide details on:

Contributions to the generation of new ideas, tools, methodologies or knowledge.
The development of others and maintenance of effective working relationships.
Contributions to the wider research and innovation community.
Contributions to broader research or innovation-users and audiences, and towards wider societal benefit

2. 2-page research statement

This should give a sense of your contributions to date, your research plans and longer-term goals, and how your research will add to our Institute and fit with the School of Biological Sciences strategy.

3. 1-page cover letter

This should explain why you have chosen IMPS and Edinburgh and which fellowship competitions you intend to apply to.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to give a seminar to the Institute. Following the seminars, the Institute will identify candidates they wish to support, and successful candidates will be assigned mentors, who will work with them throughout the preparation and submission process as they organise their fellowship applications.