In 2020 the Centre launched the first round of support for Cross-Node Postdoctoral Positions. Originating from advice given by the International Scientific Advisory Committee, this initiative was developed to strengthen and support cross-node interaction between platforms and to provide a unique experience for postdoctoral candidates that would not be on offer through a typical university position.

The scheme is centrally funded and provides the full salary of a Level A postdoc for one year with the second year being supported up to 50%.

In assessing the scheme, the Science Committee rated each application on how the position would move the Centre closer to achieving its research goals, as well as promoting collaboration across the research platforms. In this first round of funding the Science Committee recommended four positions for funding. Due to the impacts of COVID-19 and delays in hiring new staff – at the end of 2020 – two postdoctoral researchers have commenced their roles, and the remaining two are planned to begin in the first quarter of 2021.