Research career path for academic researchers

The research career path for academic researchers aims to support and develop people along the journey from doctoral training to research leadership. 

The figure below summarises the HRB funding schemes, relative to career stage, which are developed already or under development. Some additional funding schemes are also available through the SFI-HRB-Wellcome partnership.

Academic researcher career path diagram

Funding calls targeting specific academic researcher career stages

Individuals studying for an undergraduate degree who are interested in pursueing a career in health research are encouraged to apply for the following annual research funding call:

HRB Summer Student Scholarships

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The Doctoral training stage targets graduate researchers who are pursuing a doctoral/PhD degree. The training stage is usually thorough and broad and should focus on the acquisition of research methodologies and skills as well as professional and generic transferable skills.

The HRB funds doctoral training through structured and mentored doctoral programmes which support cohorts of doctoral trainees/candidates. The HRB does not support individuals directly through fellowships or other personal awards at doctoral stage.

Opportunities at this stage include:

You can view CDA programmes funded in 2018.

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PhD holders undertake periods of postdoctoral research that takes them through consolidation and progression career phases. This experience aims to increase their breadth of research knowledge, skills, methodologies and capabilities as well as establishing national and international collaborations and networks.

Opportunities at this stage include:

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These are researchers with enough postdoctoral experience who are progressing towards research independence. During this transition, researchers further develop a research vision, establish a research team, manage a research programme and establish new and/or strengthen previous collaborations.

Opportunities at this stage include:

  • Emerging Investigator Awards (EIA)
  • Schemes from the SFI-HRB-Wellcome Research Partnership

You can view EIA programmes funded in 2018.

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Researchers at this career stage usually:

  • lead a team and a research programme as independent investigators;
  • have a track record in securing several research grants as principal investigator, co-applicant or collaborator;
  • have a track record of significant research contribution to scientific knowledge demonstrated by several relevant research outputs as independent investigator;
  • have experience in mentoring and leading a team and have a long-term research vision.

Opportunities at this stage include:

  • Research Leader Awards
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There is also a suite of other opportunities for training and career development throughout the year. Some are annual calls and some are once-off calls.

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