Applications Invited for STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowships Call to Encourage Early Independence

Five-year fellowships to support researchers at an early stage of their career working within the STFC remit areas to run independent research projects in the UK.

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) offers up to 10 Ernest Rutherford Fellowships annually to provide five years of funding to outstanding researchers at an early stage of their career. The aim is to support future scientific leaders to establish their own independent research programme. They are Early Independence Fellowships, as described in the Fellowship Investment Framework.

Applications must align with STFC strategic objectives and core business areas (astronomy, solar and planetary science; particle physics; particle astrophysics; nuclear physics; accelerator science; computational science; and quantum technologies) and afford scope for original work.

Fellowships are intended for applicants who hold a doctorate or who can evidence equivalent research experience and are aiming to establish their own research niche and independence. A variety of research and innovation staff are eligible, including researchers, innovators, research technical professionals and research software engineers, as long as they meet the aims of the funding opportunity. Candidates must:

• Evidence skills, experience, career development and productivity across past appointments.
• Have their own research plans that do not significantly overlap with those of others.
• Have the support of an eligible UK organisation.

The scheme is open to applicants of any nationality. Where applicable, the researcher will need to comply with UK Department of Employment requirements and hold a work permit prior to taking up the fellowship. All successful applicants who require a visa to work in the UK will be eligible to be considered under the Global Talent visa route.

University departments have specific limits placed on how many applications they can submit; department application limits and internal deadlines are listed in a document on the call webpage. Applicants are advised to contact their proposed host department as early as possible and well ahead of the application deadline.

Fellowships last for a maximum period of five years. Funding will be awarded at 80% FEC requested. Successful applicants must start their fellowship by 31 March 2028.