Teaching and Research

Research Fellowships support gifted young researchers, usually for four year terms. They are generally appointed within two years of the award of a doctorate, and give the holders an opportunity to establish their career before moving on to become academics, teachers and independent researchers.

Research Fellows enjoy the freedom to carry out their chosen research projects within the academic environment of the College and the University departments. At any given time there can be up to 16 Research Fellows, and we usually make four new appointments each year – two in sciences and two in the arts and humanities.

Previous Research Fellows have gone on to enjoy long and extraordinary careers in academia and beyond, with many remaining at King's for decades beyond their initial post had expired. Among these are: Nick Jardine (JRF from 67-71), Atta-ur-Rahman (69-73), Tony Judt (72-76), Caroline Elam (72-76), John Forrester (76-80), Iain Fenlon (76-79), Michael Akam (78-82), George Efstathiou (80-84), Harriet Guest (81-85), Robin Osborne (82-86), Simon Goldhill (82-86), Barbara Goff (86-90), Hamid Sabourian (86-89), Sarah Lummis (87-91), James Laidlaw (89-92), Fay Dowker (90-96), Geoff Moggridge (92-95), Rosanna Omitowuju (96-00), Lucy Delap (02-07), and Perveez Mody (01-09).

Most of the College Fellows who direct studies or supervise undergraduates also hold University posts (lectureships, readerships, professorships). In financial terms, this means that the University pays the major proportion of their salaries, although the College pays for supervisions.

Most Colleges also employ some College Teaching Officers (CTOs) – whose salaries are paid entirely by the College – to supervise and direct studies in subjects where demand exceeds the supply of academics within University positions. These CTOs also bring their expertise to some of the other roles (for example, Tutor and Admissions Tutor) that are essential to the working of the College as a residential community offering pastoral as well as academic support.

CTOs are also appointed to a Bye-Fellowship at King’s, which confers a number of benefits, including dining rights and membership of the Universities Superannuation Scheme.
 

College Research Associates (CRAs) greatly enhance the research strengths of the College. They are postdoc researchers already employed by the University, and who take an active role within the College, including the communication of research and interacting with the Fellowship and graduate students. The College appoints up to six College Research Associates each year for two years and would like to sustain and grow this programme.