FAQs for Research Staff
Advice for new staff, including information on healthcare, accommodation, taxes, schools and banks.
Visa Applications & Extensions
We can assist with your Global Talent & Skilled Worker Applications. More detailed information regarding both visas can be found on the Compliance Team website.
Please email us if you need an Employment Confirmation letter for your visa application.
Annual Leave
The annual leave allowance is available here. You will receive a spreadsheet when you arrive to record your annual leave.
Timesheets for Researchers Working on EC and Research Council Projects
Research and research support staff working on EC and Research Council projects are required to complete timesheets on a timely basis. The EC and Research Councils have made the completion (and the timely authorisation) of timesheets a mandatory requirement if staff costs on these awards are to be eligible for funding. The requirement for the completion of timesheet applies to research staff, students and all research support staff (i.e. administrative staff, technicians, computing support, etc.) working on the award, regardless of funding sources. If you are unsure as to whether you need to complete a timesheet, please contact the CUED Finance Office (research-grants@eng.cam.ac.uk).
Career Development
The Cambridge University Careers Service provides careers education, information and guidance to staff, students and alumni. As part of your career development, you are encouraged to make an appointment with a careers adviser and will be prompted to do so after successful completion of your probationary period (normally six months after appointment).
The Postdoc Academy is an important hub for information and support for postdocs in Cambridge. Their website provides a wealth of useful information including the link to PdOC society which runs social and career development events.
The University and the Department run a number of personal development courses which may be useful to you in your new role. The University's Learning and Development website can be accessed here. If you are interested in attending a course or training event, please speak to your PI.
Postdocs applying for grants
Postdocs can be PIs on grant applications if:
- they are Principal Research Associates or Directors of Research
- they hold prestigious research fellowships such as those awarded by the EPSRC, Royal Academy of Engineering or Royal Society
- they are applying for such fellowships in their own name
- they are applying for a grant that falls under the small grant policy.