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 the Director of Research, Professor Daniel Wolverson with a brief summary of your planned application.

Fellowship opportunities

Here are some fellowships you can apply for. Please note: You will need to have made contact with a University of Bath academic prior to the 'Intention to Submit' form deadline, as they will need to submit a form on your behalf ahead of this date.

UKRI Fellowships

Deadlines: 'Intention to Submit' form needs to be submitted to University of Bath host before 18 September 2026.

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

STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowships

Deadline: Beginning of September. Contact the Astrophysics Research Group Leader, Dr Hendrik van Eerten, as early as possible before 17 July 2026.

Five years of funding to support future scientific leaders to establish a strong, independent research programme within the remit of STFC’s core science programme
The Fellowships are intended for early career researchers who do not have an academic position
Ernest Rutherford Fellowships are open to applicants of any nationality

Royal Society University Research Fellowships (URFs)

Deadline: 'Intention to Submit' form is required by 18th May, so please contact the department well before the start of May.

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: 'Intention to Submit' form required as soon as possible before (at least 4 weeks) so please contact the department well before the 29 October 2026.

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: 'Intention to Submit' form to be completed before March (sometimes different for particular countries).

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