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Research fellow
Research fellow
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A research fellow is an academic research position at a university or a similar research institution, usually for academic staff or faculty members. A research fellow may act either as an independent investigator or under the supervision of a principal investigator.

Research fellow positions vary in different countries and academic institutions.

India

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In India, the position of research fellowship is provided to scholars from various streams like science, arts, literature, management, and others: the government, academics, research institutes, and private companies fund research fellowships. Research fellows research under the supervision of experienced faculty, professors, heads of department, and the Dean on two different posts known as Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) and senior research fellow (SRF). Research organisations like ICAR, CSIR, UGC, ICMR recruit research fellows through National Eligibility Test. After the completion of pre-defined tenure, JRF can be considered for a senior research fellowship based on the research fellow's performance and/or an interview conducted by the committee of the research institute.

Russian Federation

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In the Russian Federation, the position and title research fellow is unknown; however, there is a broadly similar position of (Russian: Научный сотрудник, lit.'scientific worker'). This position normally requires a degree of Candidate of Sciences approximately corresponding to the PhD. More senior positions normally require, in addition to the degree mentioned above, a track record of publications or certified inventions, as well as practical contributions to major research and development projects.[1]

Hierarchy of researching positions in the Russian Academy of Sciences[2]
Translation (variant) Original Russian abbreviation Scientific degree or job seniority required Number of publications required
junior researcher младший научный сотрудник м. н. с. Candidate of Sciences or 3 years 1 in 5 years
researcher научный сотрудник н. с. Candidate of Sciences or 5 years 3 in 5 years
senior researcher старший научный сотрудник с. н. с. Candidate of Sciences or 10 years 5 in 5 years
leading researcher ведущий научный сотрудник в. н. с. Doctor of Sciences or Candidate of Sciences (in exceptionary cases) 7 in 5 years
principal researcher главный научный сотрудник г. н. с. Doctor of Sciences 10 in 5 years

South Africa

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Research fellows in South Africa are considered an asset to research organisations and universities. There are highly ranked universities such as University of the Witwatersrand, University of Stellenbosch Business School, and Rhodes University which offer fellowships to South African nationals in certain fields of research.[3]

United Kingdom

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In the United Kingdom, a research fellow is a broad category, used to indicate a scholar on a research-oriented professional development track. In many universities, a research fellow is a career grade of a Research Career Pathway, following on from a postdoctoral position such as research associate, and may be open-ended, subject to normal probation regulations. For some universities, research career grades roughly correspond to the grades of the academic pathway in the following way: research fellow (a lower or same grade as a lecturer),[4] principal research fellow—reader, whereas senior research fellow is somewhere between a lecturer and senior lecturer or associate professor.[5] Some universities, such as Cambridge, restrict Professorial grades only to academics who have excelled in both teaching and research.[6] Outside of faculty appointments, the title of "Research Fellow" or "Senior Research Fellows" can be also used as honorary or temporary awarded "fellowships" to distinguished academics by research institutes or colleges, usually from different institutions.[7]

Professorial Fellows

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At University College, Oxford, Professorial Fellows are the holders of Statutory Chairs, the most senior professorships at Oxford: they are members of the College's Governing Body.[8]

Senior Research Fellows

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Senior Research Fellowships (SRFs) are awarded to researchers with "academic standing comparable to that of a distinguished research professorship at a major university."[9] They recognize scholars with distinguished research records and publications.[10] This position originated in the 15th century as a way of allowing scholars time and funding to pursue independent research without having teaching duties.[11]

As with the professorial fellows, senior research fellows are research-only posts; with the rise of the career grade, there will normally be a formal requirement of a moderate amount of teaching and/or supervision (often at postgraduate level). At All Souls College, Oxford, senior research fellows are 7-year-long positions that are equivalent to a tenured position in the United States.[12] This position is equivalent to a full professorship.[13]

Junior Research Fellows

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List of research fellowships

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Fellowships by funding bodies
Funding body Fellowship
Wellcome Trust
Leverhulme Trust
  • Early Career Fellowships
  • Emeritus Fellowships
  • International Academic Fellowships
  • Major Research Fellowships
  • Research Fellowships
Royal Society
Royal Academy of Engineering
British Academy

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
A research fellow is an academic or professional position held by individuals who conduct specialized , typically under the supervision of a or as part of grant-funded projects, in universities, research institutions, or laboratories. These roles are generally temporary, lasting from one year to several years, and can be either salaried or non-salaried, depending on the funding source such as fellowships from foundations, agencies, or institutional support. Qualifications for research fellows vary by country and institution, but often include at least a , with many positions—particularly in the United States—demanding a doctoral degree (PhD) or equivalent professional experience. In contrast, postdoctoral fellows invariably hold a and focus on advanced training, though distinctions can differ internationally. Unlike permanent faculty roles, these appointments emphasize research output over teaching duties, though some may involve limited mentoring of students or junior staff. Key responsibilities include designing experiments or studies, analyzing data, preparing publications and reports, and contributing to broader project objectives, all while advancing knowledge in fields such as , , social sciences, or . The title "research fellow" varies by institution and country; for instance, , it may denote visiting scholars without salary at , while at organizations like the (NIH), it signifies a renewable employee role for early-career biomedical researchers. In the and other regions, it often refers to independently funded researchers pursuing their own projects, sometimes leading to senior academic positions. These positions play a crucial role in fostering , bridging the gap between graduate training and independent scholarship, and supporting institutional research agendas.

Overview

Definition

A research fellow is an academic position held at universities or similar research institutions, primarily dedicated to conducting advanced rather than or administrative duties. This role is often held by early- to mid-career scholars with advanced degrees such as a master's or doctoral degree, or equivalent experience, though requirements vary by institution, distinguishing it from positions focused on instruction or lecturing. Key characteristics of the position include its reliance on external or institutional grant funding to support specific projects, often on a fixed-term or renewable basis, which allows fellows to pursue independent or collaborative investigations under . While the core emphasis is on activities such as , , and , some positions may incorporate limited responsibilities, such as supervising graduate students or delivering occasional seminars. The role frequently serves as a transitional step for scholars moving from postdoctoral training toward tenure-track faculty appointments, providing opportunities to build an independent research portfolio. The term "fellow" originates from the Old English feolaga, meaning a partner or one who lays down in a joint enterprise, borrowed from félagi, and entered academic usage by the late to denote senior members of collegiate foundations at institutions like and , who shared and intellectual pursuits as peers. In the context, fellows were elected graduate members contributing to the college's communal scholarship. By the , with the expansion of scientific funding—exemplified by the establishment of National Research Council postdoctoral fellowships in 1919—the designation evolved to emphasize dedicated research appointments, reflecting a shift toward specialized, project-based academic careers.

Roles and Responsibilities

Research fellows primarily engage in conducting original as their core duty, which involves designing experiments, investigations, or studies to advance knowledge in their field. This includes developing research protocols, collecting and analyzing , and interpreting results to contribute to scholarly or applied advancements. They often contribute to grant proposals by identifying funding opportunities, drafting sections, and supporting applications to sustain research programs. Additionally, research fellows frequently present their findings at conferences, seminars, or workshops to disseminate knowledge and foster academic discourse. In collaborative settings, research fellows work within interdisciplinary teams, integrating their expertise with that of principal investigators, colleagues, and support staff to achieve project objectives. They may mentor junior researchers, such as graduate students or research assistants, by providing guidance on methodologies and career development. In some cases, they supervise laboratory activities, including overseeing data collection, equipment management, or experimental procedures, ensuring compliance with protocols and safety standards. Output expectations for research fellows emphasize high-quality scholarly contributions, such as authoring or co-authoring peer-reviewed publications in academic journals, with success often measured by the number of papers produced and their impact factors. In applied fields like or , they may also pursue filings to protect innovative discoveries arising from their work. Unlike tenure-track faculty positions, research fellow roles typically involve minimal teaching responsibilities, allowing greater focus on research productivity.

Qualifications and Types

Entry Requirements

Securing a research fellow position typically demands a robust academic foundation, centered on advanced education and demonstrated scholarly output. Most positions require candidates to hold a PhD or an equivalent doctoral degree in a relevant field, such as sciences, , or social sciences, often completed within the past five years to ensure currency in research expertise. In addition to the degree, a strong publication record is essential, usually including at least one first-author peer-reviewed paper, which signals the candidate's ability to contribute original research. For instance, prestigious programs like those from the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) mandate such publications at the application stage to verify independent research capability. Equivalent experience, such as four years of full-time research, may occasionally substitute for the PhD in some contexts, but this is rare and subject to institutional policies. The selection process for research fellowships is highly competitive, evaluating applicants through a multifaceted application that emphasizes and feasibility. Key elements include a detailed outlining the project's objectives, , and potential impact, which must demonstrate the applicant's vision for advancing knowledge in their field. Prior experience, often gained during doctoral studies or earlier roles, is scrutinized to assess the candidate's track record of and problem-solving. Letters of recommendation from academic mentors or supervisors play a critical role, providing third-party validation of the applicant's skills, , and potential for independent ; typically, at least two such letters are required, focusing on specific achievements rather than general praise. Institutions like the (NIH) further require proof of outstanding scholastic achievement and the ability to conduct with minimal supervision, often verified through transcripts and reference attestations. Emphasized skills in applications extend beyond credentials to practical proficiencies that enable successful execution. Expertise in specialized methods—such as quantitative analysis, experimental design, or qualitative approaches—is paramount, tailored to the discipline, and evidenced through prior projects or publications. Grant-writing ability is increasingly vital, particularly for independent fellowships, as it reflects the capacity to secure future funding and articulate value to evaluators. Where relevant, interdisciplinary is highlighted, allowing candidates to bridge fields and address complex challenges, such as in collaborative STEM initiatives. Postdoctoral fellowships, a common entry point, particularly stress recent PhD completion to foster early-career development.

Common Types

Research fellow positions vary primarily by career stage and level of independence, with common categories including postdoctoral, senior or , and visiting or honorary roles. These distinctions reflect the progression from mentored early-career to autonomous mid-career and collaborative external contributions. Postdoctoral research fellows represent an entry-level category for individuals who have recently completed a doctoral degree, typically a PhD, and are engaged in a temporary period of mentored focused on specialized projects. These roles emphasize skill development in a specific field, often involving with a on grant-funded initiatives, and are usually fixed-term appointments lasting one to three years. Senior or independent research fellows occupy mid-career positions characterized by greater , where holders lead their own projects, supervise junior staff, and often secure external to support their work. These fellows operate at a level comparable to tenured , conducting high-level either independently or in roles within collaborative programs, with appointments that may be renewable or more stable than postdoctoral terms. For instance, responsibilities may include project to advance institutional goals. Visiting or honorary research fellows encompass short-term or unpaid positions for external experts who contribute to an institution's activities without full-time . Visiting fellows typically spend a limited period, such as several months, conducting independent or collaborating on projects, often without duties and supported by their home . Honorary fellows, meanwhile, are recognized for their established expertise and provide ongoing contributions through consultations, co-supervision, or participation in research partnerships, usually on a voluntary basis.

Funding and Duration

Funding Sources

Research fellow positions are primarily supported by government grants from national research councils, which allocate funds for scientific and scholarly investigations across various disciplines. Private foundations also contribute significantly, offering targeted support for innovative projects that align with their missions, such as or social sciences research. Additionally, endowments provide a stable internal funding stream, drawing from invested assets to sustain fellowships and enable long-term academic pursuits. The application process for these fellowships is highly competitive, requiring applicants to submit detailed proposals that outline research objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes. Proposals typically include comprehensive budgets justifying personnel costs, materials, and other expenses, along with realistic timelines for project milestones to demonstrate feasibility and accountability. Funding packages generally encompass or support to cover living expenses, allowances for necessary tools and supplies, and travel stipends for conferences or fieldwork. Average award amounts vary by field, with STEM disciplines often receiving higher allocations (e.g., NIH minimum of $62,652 for FY 2025) compared to (e.g., up to $60,000 from NEH for 6–12 months), due to differences in overall scales. This funding model enables research fellows to maintain in directing their scholarly work.

Typical Duration

Research fellowships, particularly at the postdoctoral level, typically span 1 to 3 years, allowing fellows to conduct focused under while building independence. These appointments are often structured as initial terms of one year, renewable annually based on performance evaluations and continued funding availability. For senior research fellows, durations can extend up to 5 years or, in some cases, be of unspecified length, reflecting greater established expertise and alignment with long-term institutional projects. The length of a research fellowship is influenced by several key factors, including the cycles of funding grants, which often dictate renewal periods aligned with fiscal years or award timelines. Project milestones, such as completion of specific phases or publication targets, also play a critical role in determining extensions, ensuring progress toward defined objectives. Additionally, career progression goals of the fellow, such as skill development for tenure-track positions, can shape the term, with institutions sometimes adjusting durations to support individual advancement. Upon completion, fellows commonly transition to permanent faculty roles in academia, pursue additional fellowships for specialized , or enter industry positions leveraging their expertise. For instance, data from NIH-supported postdocs show a significant portion advancing to independent careers, while others apply their skills in non-academic sectors like consulting or administration. These outcomes underscore the fellowship's role as a bridge to diverse professional pathways.

Variations by Country

United Kingdom

In the , research fellow positions within academia are structured hierarchically, typically progressing from junior to senior and professorial levels based on accumulated experience and achievements. Junior Research Fellows (JRFs) are early-career appointments, often lasting 3–7 years, targeted at recent PhD graduates or those with limited postdoctoral experience, allowing focus on independent projects. Senior Research Fellows represent a mid-to-late career stage, requiring a distinguished record and proposals for future work, with terms that are renewable and equivalent in stature to full professorships. Professorial Research Fellows occupy the highest tier, often linked to endowed chairs or exceptional in research, integrating advanced scholarly contributions with institutional oversight. This progression emphasizes merit-based advancement, with transitions supported by competitive elections or reviews every few years. Prominent institutions such as the colleges of and frequently appoint research fellows, embedding these roles within their collegiate systems. At , colleges like All Souls and New College elect JRFs, Senior Research Fellows, and Professorial Fellows, with all academic posts maintaining a formal association to a college for collaborative life. Similarly, colleges, including Churchill and Newnham, offer junior and senior research fellowships through competitive processes assessed by fellowship committees, prioritizing innovative research potential. The Royal Society's University Research Fellowships stand out as a prestigious national example, providing up to eight years of funding for early-career scientists (3–8 years post-PhD) to establish leadership in natural sciences, often hosted at these universities. A distinctive aspect of research fellowships, particularly in and , is their integration into college governance, where fellows balance research with duties such as , administrative roles, and contributions to college decision-making bodies. This dual responsibility fosters a holistic academic environment, distinguishing these positions from purely research-oriented roles elsewhere, and enhances fellows' involvement in shaping institutional policies.

India

In , research fellow positions are supported through centralized national programs, primarily the Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) administered by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the University Grants Commission (UGC), which target scholars pursuing doctoral research. These schemes provide stipends and contingency grants to enable independent research in laboratories, universities, or institutions across the country. The CSIR JRF, awarded to candidates qualifying the CSIR-UGC (NET), supports PhD pursuits in chemical, life, mathematical, physical, and earth sciences. Eligibility requires a with at least 55% marks (50% for reserved categories) and an upper age limit of 30 years (with 5-year relaxations for SC/ST/OBC-NCL//women). Selected fellows receive a monthly of INR 37,000 plus House Rent Allowance (HRA) for the first two years, upgrading to Senior Research Fellow (SRF) status at INR 42,000 plus HRA thereafter, for a total duration of up to five years. The UGC JRF, similarly granted via NET qualification, extends to humanities, social sciences, and select science disciplines, fostering research in universities and colleges. It shares comparable eligibility criteria, including the 30-year age limit with relaxations, and provides a monthly of INR 37,000 plus HRA for two years, increasing to INR 42,000 plus HRA for SRF in subsequent years. These fellowships, tenable only in , aim to enhance capacity in emerging and developing fields like sciences and by nurturing young talent and promoting innovative doctoral work. Postdoctoral opportunities, such as CSIR Research Associateships, align with these by supporting PhD holders in advanced roles.

United States

In the , research fellow positions, often synonymous with postdoctoral appointments, are primarily supported by federal agencies such as the (NIH) and the (NSF), which provide funding for early-career researchers to conduct independent investigations in biomedical and STEM fields. The NIH offers Research Fellow positions through its intramural programs, emphasizing laboratory-based work in biomedical, behavioral, and related sciences, while NSF postdoctoral fellowships span broader STEM disciplines including , physical sciences, and . These positions typically last 2 to 5 years, with NIH Fellowships starting at an term of 2-3 years and renewable in one-year increments up to a maximum of 8 years under the 5/8 Year Duration Policy, and NSF fellowships generally providing 2-3 years of support with options for extension in some programs. Eligibility often includes a recent doctoral degree such as a PhD, with preferences for U.S. citizens or permanent residents; for instance, most NSF postdoctoral fellowships require applicants to be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents, though NIH positions also accommodate non-resident aliens holding valid employment-authorized visas, addressing international candidates' needs under U.S. rules. Research fellowships in the U.S. serve as a critical stepping stone to tenure-track faculty positions, where success hinges on achieving high publication metrics, such as first-author papers in high-impact journals, which significantly boost the likelihood of securing academic roles. A strong postdoctoral publication record not only demonstrates research independence but also correlates with long-term career advancement in academia, including transitions to positions at research universities.

Australia

In Australia, research fellow positions are predominantly supported by competitive national grants administered by the Australian Research Council (ARC), which funds high-impact research across universities and research institutions. The ARC Future Fellowships scheme stands out as a premier program targeted at mid-career researchers, enabling them to lead innovative projects that address significant knowledge gaps with potential national and international benefits. These fellowships are designed to retain and attract top talent, with applicants required to demonstrate strong track records in research, leadership, and mentoring. Future Fellowships typically last four years on a full-time basis, though other ARC schemes like Discovery Early Career Researcher Awards may extend to three years or Laureate Fellowships up to five, providing flexibility in career-stage support. Salaries are competitively structured at three levels—equivalent to academic levels A/B, C, and D/E—ranging from AUD 147,482 to AUD 209,579 per annum, inclusive of base pay, with an additional 30% on-costs covering superannuation and other employer contributions, totaling up to AUD 272,452 annually at the highest level. Fellows also receive up to AUD 60,000 per year for project-related expenses, such as personnel, equipment, and travel, enhancing research scope without institutional burden. The competitiveness of these grants is notable, with success rates hovering around 16-20% based on recent rounds, where hundreds of applications vie for limited funding to advance Australia's research ecosystem. A distinctive feature of Australian research fellowships is their emphasis on Indigenous research priorities, encouraging projects that incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives to align with national goals, alongside robust support for international collaborations that build global networks and knowledge exchange. Positions often incorporate strong work-life balance provisions, including flexible hybrid arrangements and generous leave policies, reflecting institutional commitments to researcher well-being in a high-pressure academic environment. ARC schemes like Laureate Fellowships further align with senior independent research roles for established leaders.

Other Countries

In Russia, research fellow positions are primarily state-funded through the (RAS), which oversees a network of institutes where fellows conduct fundamental and applied on long-term contracts, often spanning several years to support sustained scientific projects. These roles emphasize institutional stability, with funding allocated via federal budgets managed by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, enabling fellows to focus on high-impact without short-term grant pressures. In , the National Research Foundation (NRF) employs a ratings system to evaluate and support research fellows, categorizing them from A1 (internationally leading scholars) to Y (promising young researchers) based on peer-reviewed outputs and impact, which determines funding eligibility and promotes career progression. This system prioritizes equity and development by increasing representation of underrepresented groups, with 53% of supported researchers and postdoctoral fellows in 2023 being Black and 45% women, aligning with national goals to address historical disparities and foster inclusive scientific growth. Canada's Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) funds postdoctoral fellowships through programs like the Postdoctoral Research Award, valued at $70,000 annually for up to two years, which mirror U.S. models in emphasizing independent research but incorporate bilingual emphases by accepting applications in English or French to reflect the country's official languages policy. Across Europe, the 's Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships promote researcher mobility, funding 1-2 year European Fellowships for stays in Member States or associated countries and 2-3 year Global Fellowships involving outbound phases to non- countries followed by return, open to researchers of any nationality to enhance cross-border and skill development.

References

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