Imperial BHF CRE Transitional Fellowship (non-clinical)

About the role

The British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence (BHF CRE) at Imperial College London invites applications to its Transitional Fellowship Programme open to exceptional postdoctoral candidates with a basic science background. This two‑year fellowship is supporting transition to competitive external funding and emerging independence that will add value to Imperial’s cardiovascular research portfolio. We also welcome applications from researchers who already hold an external career development award and wish to combine it with this transitional fellowship as a relocation package.

This is a fantastic opportunity to embark on a path to leadership with the support of world-leading research centre. The BHF CRE is based across Imperial College London’s Hammersmith and White City campuses and comprises four research themes that focus on:

• population cardiovascular health,
• the factors driving heart adaptation during disease development,
• endothelial resilience,
• developing personal monitors of cardiovascular health.

Further information on the research themes: Bhf research excellence.

Recruitment is open to expertise in all relevant areas including discovery science and molecular mechanisms of disease. The proposed research project will be hosted by one of our BHF CRE Principal Investigators and should be developed in liaison with your sponsor.

Applicants must apply online via Imperial’s jobs website and include CV, research plan, statement on career intention, and a letter of support from a BHF CRE Principal Investigator confirming agreement to act as sponsor.

What you would be doing

With the support of your sponsor, you will develop applications for highly competitive Career Development Awards, generate preliminary data, and gain experience in award management. You will also have extensive opportunities to network with UK‑based and international leaders, enhancing your research profile and fostering collaborations.

What we are looking for

• PhD (or equivalent) in cardiovascular research or related discipline and extensive postdoctoral experience.
• A proven track record of excellent academic research
• An ability to raise research funding from external sources, commensurate with your career stage.
• A strong interest in interdisciplinary working and translational research.
• Interest in widening participation and outreach activities.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey ideas and concepts clearly and effectively to a range of audiences.
• "A proven track record of contributing to the wider academic and institutional community".

What we can offer you

• Support for the Career Development Award applications to external funders, such as BHF, Wellcome Trust, MRC, BBSRC, UKRI Future Leader Fellowship. This includes extensive academic and administrative support throughout the application process and interview preparation.
• Networking opportunities with UK-based and international leaders in the cardiovascular fields.
• Access to sector-leading career development and mentoring programmes offered by Imperial College London as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
• Access to cutting edge facilities at Imperial College London.
• Opportunities to attract students from undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at Imperial College London.
• Opportunities to develop teaching skills.

• Sector-leading remuneration package (including 41 days off a year and generous pension schemes) and access to local and national discounts through Imperial Perks at Work.
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

How to apply:

Please upload the following documents with your application:

- CV

- Research plan

- statement on career intention

- A letter of support from a BHF CRE Principal Investigator confirming agreement to act as sponsor. For available sponsors, please refer to the investigator lists under each research theme: Bhf research excellence

Application deadline 06.12.2026. Interviews will be held in January.

The role is full‑time and fixed‑term for up to 24 months (12 months contract will be also considered).

Appointment will be offered at either the Research Associate (£50,773 - £59,484) or Research Fellow (£57,075 - £64,619) level, depending on candidate’s experience. We also offer research consumable support depending on the specific requirements of the project.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Dr. Magdalena Zak (m.zak1@imperial.ac.uk), manager of Imperial BHF CRE.