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Join Physics as an independent research fellow

Advice for postdoctoral researchers about how to apply for fellowships and join the Department of Physics.

Expert help in developing and preparing your application

We are seeking to recruit independent research fellows of outstanding quality across all areas of research conducted within our Department.


There are many competitive funding schemes which support talented researchers. If you would like to be hosted at the University, we can help you develop and prepare fellowship applications. We have considerable experience supporting successful applications and several of our current researchers hold fellowships. We will mentor excellent candidates through the application process.

If you wish to apply for a fellowship hosted in Bath, contact Professor Simon Bending with a brief summary of your planned application.

Fellowship opportunities

Here are some fellowships you can apply for.


UKRI Fellowships

Deadlines: Varies. Contact the Department at least 6 weeks in advance of the funder deadline.

  • UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships; for early career researchers or innovators looking to establish or transition to independence or developing their own original and ambitious plans within a commercial setting.
  • EPSRC Open Fellowships; up to 5 years of funding on any topic in the EPSRC portfolio.

  • EPSRC Postdoctoral Fellowships; available in defined research areas for up to 3 years.

Royal Society University Research Fellowships (URFs)

Deadline: September. Contact the Department at least 6 weeks in advance of the funder deadline.

  • for early/mid-career stage (three to eight years postdoctoral experience) who do not have permanent position in EEA (European Economic Area)
  • must be EEA citizens or have EEA connection (e.g. postdoctoral position held)
  • five years with possibility for an extension of three years

Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowships

Deadline: November. Contact the Department at least 6 weeks in advance of the funder deadline.

  • five years’ funding to support flexible working
  • for early career stage (no more than six years post PhD) who do not have permanent position in EEA (European Economic Area)
  • must be EEA citizens or have EEA connection (e.g. postdoctoral position)

Newton Fellowships

Deadline: March (sometimes different for particular countries). Contact the Department at least 6 weeks in advance of the funder deadline.

  • run through British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society
  • for non-UK citizens who are not already working in the UK
  • two year fellowships with possibility for follow-up funding for 10 years
  • specific country deadlines

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships

Deadline: September. Contact the Department at least 6 weeks in advance of the funder deadline.

  • no limit on postdoc experience
  • must be working outside of the UK
  • need member of current staff to sponsor you

The Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851

Deadline: January. Contact the Department at least 6 weeks in advance of the funder deadline.

  • fellowships for recent PhDs

Leverhulme

Deadline: February. Contact the Department at least 6 weeks in advance of the funder deadline.

  • funding for three years for those with UK degree
  • PhD submitted and less than five years postdoctoral experience
  • must not have permanent post in the UK

AXA

Deadline (for expressions of interest): May. Contact the Department at least 6 weeks in advance of the funder deadline.

  • two years' funding
  • PhD awarded within five years and not in a permanent position
  • application made by the institution

L’Oreal Women in Science

Deadline: January. Contact the Department at least 6 weeks in advance of the funder deadline.

  • one year project costs to supplement salary

ERC Starting Grants

Deadline: Varies. Contact the Department at least 6 weeks in advance of the funder deadline.

  • up to five years’ funding
  • for researchers with two to seven years of postdoctoral experience
  • funds a team of researchers
  • extra funding for applicants moving from non-EU countries

ERC Consolidator Grants

Deadline: Varies. Contact the Department at least 6 weeks in advance of the funder deadline.

  • up to five years’ funding
  • for researchers with eight to 12 years of postdoctoral experience
  • funds a team of researchers
  • extra funding for applicants moving from non-EU countries

ERC Advanced Grants

Deadline: Varies. Contact the Department at least 6 weeks in advance of the funder deadline.

  • up to five years’ funding
  • for researchers with 10 year record of achievement at a senior level
  • funds a team of researchers
  • extra funding for applicants moving from non-EU countries

Enquiries

Please contact us if you would like more information