Intermediate Fellowships

Definition of an intermediate fellowship

There are many names used by funders and host organisation to describe this type of fellowship, such as intermediate, mid-career or career development. However, the defining feature is that these fellowships are designed to allow a researcher to take their first steps to establish their independent programme of research and lead their own research team. Applicants will normally have completed at least one substantial period year of postdoctoral or equivalent experience.

Only long term (5 or more years), externally funded intermediate fellowships that are awarded in open-competition are included in this scheme, examples include:

• BHF Discovery Research Future Leaders Fellowship
• BHF Clinical Future Leaders Fellowship
• CRUK Career Development Fellowship
• CRUK Advanced Clinician Scientist Fellowship
• ERC Starting Grant
• MRC Career Development Award
• Royal Society University Research Fellowship
• UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship
• Wellcome Career Development Award

Fellows will benefit from:

• Our mentoring scheme
• Ten days of continuing professional development
• Career development opportunities including a mid-term review

As part of the RDM Intermediate Fellowship Framework, researchers wishing to apply for an intermediate fellowship from a UK or international funding scheme hosted in RDM must submit an Expression of Interest (EoI).

When to submit an Expression of Interest

The deadlines in 2026 are:

• Thursday 22 January - midday
• Wednesday 15 April - midday
• Tuesday 16 June - midday
• Tuesday 25 August - midday 

You must submit your EoI three months before the submission deadline of the fellowship scheme that you want to apply to.

How to submit an Expression of Interest

You should submit the following information to funding@rdm.ox.ac.uk

• A completed EoI template
• A CV, including a list of your publications
• An outline of your intended research programme (up to two pages max)
• Confidential supporting statements from up to two referees, one of which should be your Head of Division

Your EoI will be assessed by the Academic Career Panel against the following criteria

• Strategic fit: the proposed research must align strongly with RDM's research strengths and strategic priorities
• Research trajectory: the candidate's track record must provide demonstrable evidence of a research trajectory, in relation to their career stage, that would make them competitive for the proposed fellowship opportunities and likely to secure funding
• Suitability of the Fellowship: the candidate's career stage must be appropriate for the fellowship opportunities and there should be clear benefits to the candidate applying for the fellowship now. The proposed research should be aligned with the research themes and objectives of the proposed funder(s).
• Space and facility access: the Department must be able to provide access to the appropriate space and facilities required for the proposed research.
• Citizenship: the candidate displays willingness to engage with local committees and initiatives (e.g. PPIE activities) within their RDM Division and research community, as well as the wider Department and University.

To be successful your EoI must demonstrate how you meet all the assessment criteria.

If not already a participant, all candidates regardless of outcome will be automatically enrolled onto the RDM Mentoring Scheme to support them in the next steps of their career.

Note: If you are currently external to RDM, but wish to be sponsored by the Department to apply for an externally funded intermediate level fellowship you must also submit an Expression of Interest (EoI) as per the above guidance. To ensure your research aligns with RDM’s strategic priorities please contact the relevant RDM Head of Division in the first instance.

What to expect if you are selected to apply

You will receive support with your application including internal peer review by members of the Department and mock interviews will be arranged if you are invited to interview

RDM's support does not guarantee the successful award of a fellowship or a position in the Department if a fellowship is not awarded.

How the Department will support you to achieve success

Once you have obtained an intermediate fellowship, the Department can provide a wealth of support and advice to assist you in maximising the success of your fellowship and achieving your future career goals including:

• Support for applying for external funding
• Access to diverse range of internal funding schemes to support research, including pilot projects
• Opportunities to supervise DPhil students through the Department's direct entry graduate scheme and other University DPhil programme
• Support to apply for the University title of Associate Professor once the appropriate standard has been achieved
• A review at the mid-point of the fellowship to provide feedback and mentoring, and to identify areas for targeted support to help you maximise your career potential
• The potential for a transition fellowship, which, if required, will cover your salary for up to two years at the end of your intermediate fellowship to support you to apply for a senior fellowship to further establish your research programme in RDM, if this is your chosen career path and the mid-point review suggests that you are on a trajectory that means you are likely to be successful in securing a fellowship.