Postdoctoral Research Bursary for Clinical Trainees

About this scheme

Key information

Career level
Clinician
Post doc
Early career researcher
Health professional
Research area
All research areas
Early diagnosis
Cancer prevention
Final submission
Committee review
Funding period
up to 2 years
Funding amount
up to £35,000
This award offers funding for clinical trainees to undertake a research project after completion of a PhD.

Applications are considered from any area of our funding remit, with the exception of clinical trials and drug discovery.

You should have:

  • obtained a higher degree (MD/PhD) in a cancer-relevant research area.
  • a national training number (NTN or NTN(A)) at the time of award
  • secured protected time and salary for your research

You should not have held any previous postdoctoral fellowships.

Fellowships must be hosted in a UK University or research institute. Periods of research experience away from the host institution may be requested and must be fully justified.

Funding support is provided for:

  • up to £35,000
  • up to 2 years support
  • research expenses and research services (e.g. statistical support, lab technician services, etc)
  • travel related to the research project or collaborations

The award cannot be used to fund:

  • the applicant’s salary
  • course or examination fees

How to apply to this scheme

Overview of the application process

Applications for Research Bursaries are considered twice a year by the Research Careers Committee. Timelines typically follow this schedule, but may vary:

     Applications open            Application deadline           Funding decisions    
19 December 2023 7 March 2024 May 2024
30 May 2024 26 September 2024 November 2024

 

Before making your application

  1. Read Grant conditions (PDF)

If you have questions about the eligibility of your proposal for this scheme, or require any assistance with your application, please contact a Research Grants Manager.

We prioritise funding for projects of sufficient scientific quality that focus on cancers of the brain, lung, pancreas and oesophagus.

The 5 year rolling success rate  (financial year 2017-2022) from application to funding for this scheme is 47%.

Applications are assessed by the Research Careers Committee

Cancer Research UK contact details

Please contact the relevant Research Grants Manager if you have questions about your eligibility or require any assistance with your application or active award.

For London (except Imperial and ICR), The North East, Scotland, and Northern Ireland

Dr Catherine Cremona, Research Grants Manager: fellowships@cancer.org.uk

For Cambridge, Oxford, and The South East and West

Eve Riley, Research Grants Manager: fellowships@cancer.org.uk

For London (Imperial and ICR only), The Midlands, The North West and Wales

Dr Fran Smith, Research Grants Manager: fellowships@cancer.org.uk

Please contact Dr Marjolein (Lein) Schaap, Research Programme Manager, if you would like to hear more about the support we offer e.g. CRUK Fellow meetings, activities and training, and to share any potential challenges you might face: fellowships@cancer.org.uk

Please refer to the 'How to apply to this scheme tab' for further details and dates for the current funding round. 

More career development opportunities for researchers

We offer a range of fellowships, bursaries and other support to help outstanding scientists and clinicians develop their independent research careers.

Disability and accessibility support

We offer additional support for grant applicants and grant holders who are disabled or have a long-term health condition. 

More support for clinical careers

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