College Research Associate Competition 2026 open for applications

A group of formally dressed young adults stands outdoors in a line at a graduation or ceremony. In the foreground, a smiling person with dark hair and a beard wears a patterned shirt beneath a graduation gown, while another smiling person in a blue suit stands just behind them. The background shows other attendees, trees, and a campus-like setting in bright daylight.
15/06/2026

The Wolfson College Annual College Research Associate (CRA) competition is now open for applications. We are offering up to 10 University of Cambridge postdoctoral researchers the opportunity to join the College's community of world-class researchers.

A group of formally dressed young adults stands outdoors in a line at a graduation or ceremony. In the foreground, a smiling person with dark hair and a beard wears a patterned shirt beneath a graduation gown, while another smiling person in a blue suit stands just behind them. The background shows other attendees, trees, and a campus-like setting in bright daylight.

Whether it be practical solutions or visionary ideals, Wolfson is committed to supporting new research and finding innovative solutions to global problems – and that means bringing world-class researchers to join our community.  We invite current postdoctoral researchers within the University of Cambridge to apply to become a Wolfson College Research Associate (CRA).

At Wolfson, our CRAs join a community of scholars and academics whose commitment to innovative research and active engagement with 21st-century issues is the foundation of our lively research culture. This ensures that our current students — the next generation of researchers — receive outstanding mentoring and guidance.

Who can apply?   

Up to 10 CRA positions are available to those actively engaged in research within the University of Cambridge and its associated institutions.

The College is looking for outstanding and creative researchers in any discipline, particularly those who can contribute to the Wolfson College Research Networks. The hubs bring College members together to explore and address some of the most urgent issues confronting the world today.

Key dates

The 2026 CRA competition is now open for applications for appointments to commence from either 1 October 2026 or 1 January 2027. Appointments are for a period of up to three years or coterminous with any research post held, whichever is the shorter period, and are non-renewable.

The closing date for applications is 12.00pm on 24 July 2026.

How to apply

To apply, please download the Further Particulars and then complete the online Application Form which will also enable you to request a reference.