Researcher Development Fellows Programme
Are you a Cambridge postdoc looking to gain valuable teaching experience? Are you interested in designing and delivering workshops for PhD students?
"Researcher Development" (RD) encompasses all the learning and development that equips PhD students with the skills needed to successfully complete their research degree and prepare them for their future careers.
The University's central RD provision addresses broad themes such as writing, presenting and project management. The Researcher Development Fellows Programme (RDFP) sees us working with postdocs to support and train you in designing and delivering more discipline-specific RD workshops within your department.
You will:
- gain paid teaching experience
- learn how to design and facilitate interactive teaching
- be supported in applying for "Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy" (AFHEA), based on the experience you gain through the RDFP, with a place on the Cambridge Recognition Scheme
RDFP has been a remarkable journey for my personal growth. The small-group setting... coupled with tailored advice and supervision, provided clarity and support throughout.
What does the programme involve?
The RDFP takes place over the Lent and Easter Terms and features a degree of flexibility so that participants can plan the work around their research commitments. The programme comprises:
- three RDFP workshops providing a practical introduction to designing and facilitating interactive teaching
- an observation of one of our core programme workshops
- a one-to-one tutorial
- design and delivery of your own workshop (twice; this work is paid)
- three further workshops to support you in drafting your application for Associate Fellowship of the HEA
The programme has not only improved my teaching practice but has also enriched my understanding of students' needs, leading to increased engagement and academic performance in my classes.
Am I eligible?
To be eligible for the RDFP, you must:
- Be a postdoc at the University of Cambridge or a University Partner Institute
- Have at least 12 months left on your contract
- Commit to attending the programme dates listed below, and to design and deliver an agreed workshops for students
What are the key dates?
| Workshop | Date |
|---|---|
| RDFP Workshop 1 | Friday 23 January, 9.30am-12.30pm |
| RDFP Workshop 2 | Tuesday 17 March, 9.30am-12.30pm |
| Recognition Scheme Workshop 1 | Monday 27 April, 2-5pm |
| Recognition Scheme Workshop 2 | Monday 11 May, 2-5pm |
| Recognition Scheme Workshop 3 | Friday 29 May, 2-5pm |
| RDFP Workshop 3 | Tuesday 2 June, 10am-12pm |
| Associate Fellowship Application Deadline | Friday 12 June |
In addition, you will need to schedule an observation of one of our RD workshops, have a tutorial, and deliver the workshop you design twice, in April and/or May.
How do I apply for the programme?
Apply for the 2025-26 Researcher Development Fellows Programme
- Application deadline: 8am Monday 8 December 2025
- Decisions announced: by Monday 22 December 2025
You can view the application questions here in advance, if helpful.
If you have any questions about the programme not answered on this page, please get in touch with the Programme Director, Dr Sonja Tomašković.