Dr Chris MacDonald

Sir Henry Dale Research Fellow

Sir Henry Dale Fellowships are funded through a partnership between the Royal Society and the Wellcome Trust. The scheme provides five years of support for postdoctoral researchers who aim to become independent scientists leading their own groups.

Application rationale

Having completed a postdoc at the University of Iowa I felt ready to become a PI and start my own lab. The Sir Henry Dale Fellowship was particularly attractive as it provides generous levels of support and provides fellows with a realistic opportunity to become independent. My research is also an appropriate fit for the remit of these funding bodies.

Fellowship sponsor

I searched for the best sponsor for my application in earnest. I considered many potential UK institutions and visited several of the best options. During this process, it became clear that York was by far the best choice, for both me and my research. I found extensive synergy with other research in the Department of Biology, in addition to all the resources and technology I would require. It was clear the support offered at York was my best chance for an independent and secure position.

Not only was I guaranteed an interview for any suitable lectureship in the Department, but my internal application for an additional two years’ salary and consumables was successful.

Application process

The application process was made less daunting through many discussions about how to tailor the application with the chair of my proposed research theme. Many members of the Department then gave me feedback on my proposal to ensure my science was being communicated as clearly as possible. Assistance from the Departmental administration was invaluable, organising aspects like the budget that I had no idea how to begin.

After my interview was confirmed, I was subjected to an extremely productive (albeit gruelling) mock interview that scrutinised my research proposal for weaknesses. The panel comprised various prominent researchers, some with firsthand knowledge of the funding bodies I had applied to.

Taking up the post

Starting the lab was remarkably streamlined, largely due to help from my mentor before I arrived and the collegiate atmosphere in the Cell Biology Labs where I am housed. We share many resources and lab space, so junior PIs like me benefit from the experience, equipment and shared reagents already established by more senior colleagues; this meant I was able to get experiments up and running almost immediately. Additionally, there have been several promising developments since applying for my fellowship. These include securing a lectureship in the Department, fostering new collaborations, and applying novel techniques to my research at the Technology Facility. I am also excited to train my first PhD student later this year, supported by a fully funded studentship from the Department.