Oxford BHF CRE Transition Research Fellowship Programme 

Next application deadline:  10th October 2023

The Oxford BHF Centre of Research Excellence (Oxford BHF CRE) awards Intermediate and Senior Transition Fellowships to researchers with either a basic science or clinical background, and an outstanding research track record. 

The aim of the Transition Fellowship programme is to support and develop outstanding postdoctoral researchers to enable them to successfully apply for external funding opportunities, and to foster and develop future leaders in cardiovascular research.  

The expectation is that by the end of their Transition Fellowship award holders will secure a competitive peer-reviewed fellowship, from the BHF or other external funding agency, at either Intermediate or Senior level.

We look for individuals who have emerging independence in a field that will add value to the Oxford cardiovascular research programme, and who will become highly competitive young group leaders with funding from external sponsors. 

Funding for Transition Fellowships will be awarded for two years, and will cover the award holder’s salary along with appropriate consumables, training and travel costs. Support for a research assistant may be requested where relevant and fully justified. 

Each research group across the Oxford BHF CRE focuses on different aspects of cardiovascular science. Together they cover the translational research spectrum from basic research through to clinical and population health research.

Applications for Transition Fellowships are invited in any of our four Research Themes, from either basic scientists or clinicians.

Further information about all the Oxford BHF CRE Themes and lead researchers can be found here

Profiles of the current Oxford BHF CRE Transition Fellowship holders can be found here 

This career development opportunity is open to anyone with the relevant entry requirements and track record, regardless of where they are currently working. 

The fellowship and research project have to be hosted by a cardiovascular research group at the University of Oxford and all applications require the direct support of an Oxford BHF CRE Principal Investigator/lead researcher.  

How to make an application

The links for the University of Oxford vacancies portal will be posted here when the call is live.

You will need to prepare the following information.

• A statement of career intentions, including how you meet the selection criteria for the post using examples of your skills and experience and how you will use the transition fellowship to prepare for a future external fellowship application. This may include experience gained in employment, education, or during career breaks (such as time out to care for dependants). (maximum 2 pages)
• CV including publication list (maximum 4 pages)
• Main application: a research plan outlining an overview of proposed research, an explanation of how the research will enhance cardiovascular research in Oxford, a summary budget and a brief justification for the requested budget (maximum 4 pages including reference-list relevant to the proposed research project).  The research project should be developed in liaison with an Oxford BHF CRE Principal Investigator.
• A letter of support from a sponsor who is a Principal Investigator of the Oxford BHF CRE, including confirmation that they have approved research space to host the applicant. Additional letters from research collaborators may be included if directly relevant to your transition fellowship application eg confirmation of willingness to host you for a period of time working/training in their research group.

Budget: Salaries should be requested based on the candidate's current grade and spine point. Please note that final details of a fellowship award budget will be negotiated once an offer has been made. 

You will also be asked to list two academic referees (in addition to your Oxford BHF CRE sponsor), and to indicate whether they may be contacted in advance of interview.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to make informal enquiries regarding the fellowships, and enquires may be directed by email to Professor Hugh Watkins (hugh.watkins@rdm.ox.ac.uk) or Philippa Major, Research Facilitator for the Oxford BHF CRE (Philippa.major@cardiov.ox.ac.uk).

The posts are now live on the application portal:

Intermediate Transition Research Fellowship (Non-Clinical)

Intermediate Transition Research Fellowship (Clinical)

Senior Transition Research Fellowship (Non-Clinical)

Senior Transition Research Fellowship (Clinical)

 As an Equal Opportunity employer, we positively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.