Profesor Chris Hays (in focus) and (out of focus) a diagram of the ATLAS detector which forms part of the LHC at CERN, with lines to show a particle collision and the resulting outputs of that collision.

STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowships

Independent-level fellowships

The Oxford Physics selection process for the current round of this fellowship is now OPEN

Summary

Internal Oxford Physics Expression of Interest (EOI) deadline: midday, 30 June 2026
Funder deadline: 30 September 2026, via the UKRI Funding Service (TFS)

The STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowship supports exceptional early-career researchers to establish independent research careers in STFC-relevant fields. The scheme provides up to five years of funding, covering salary and limited research expenses and travel costs.

The fellowship supports research within STFC’s core science programme, including:

  • astronomy, solar and planetary science
  • particle physics
  • particle astrophysics
  • nuclear physics
  • accelerator science
  • computational science
  • quantum technologies

Due to STFC institutional quotas, Oxford Physics runs a competitive internal selection process. Oxford Physics can support up to 8 applicants.

All queries: fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk

Overview

The STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowship (ERF) supports outstanding early-career researchers with the potential to become future scientific leaders. The fellowship provides long-term support for researchers establishing an independent programme within STFC’s remit at a UK host institution. The fellowship aims to support ambitious, original research aligned with STFC strategic priorities. Assessment focuses on the quality and importance of the proposed research, the applicant’s potential to become an independent research leader, and the suitability of the host environment.

Further information is available on the STFC website and the 2026 ERF call page when published.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • hold a PhD or have equivalent relevant experience
  • be an early career researcher with clear leadership potential
  • not hold a tenured academic post or academic position at lecturer level
  • not hold, or have previously held, an equivalent fellowship that provides independent researcher status
  • propose research within STFC’s core science remit
  • demonstrate the potential to establish an independent research programme

There is no formal limit on years of postdoctoral experience. Applicants should review the assessment criteria and competency expectations to determine whether they are at the appropriate career stage. 

Applications are open to candidates of all nationalities. 

The fellowship may be held full-time or part-time. STFC welcomes applications from candidates with non-linear career paths, career breaks, caring responsibilities, or periods outside academia.

2026 dates and deadlines

30 June 2026, 12:00 BST – Oxford Physics internal EOI deadline (see further information below)
w/c 20 July 2026 – Results of internal sift announced
22 July 2026, 11:00 – in-person training session*
23 July 2026, 15:30 – online training session*
23 September 2026 – Internal university approval deadline; final application and costing must be finalised and submitted
30 September 2026 – Funder deadline via TFS

*Applicants must attend one training session. Further information will be made available at a later date. Please contact the Fellowships team if you require adjustments to participate in the training sessions or application process.

Oxford Physics EOI submission

Submit your EOI to fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk, copying your Oxford Physics sponsor. Your submission must include:

  • completed Oxford Physics ERF EOI form (Word template, see below)
  • one supporting document (max 2 pages, PDF) containing your academic CV and outputs list
  • sponsor copied into the submission email

Applications without a sponsor copied into the submission email will not be considered.

If you require the EOI form in an alternative format, please contact the Fellowships team directly: fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk

2026 Oxford Physics NERC IRF EOI template

Additional information

Sponsor - Applicants must identify an Oxford Physics academic sponsor in advance. The sponsor must be copied into the EOI submission email. If you experience difficulties securing a sponsor, contact fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk.

EOI assessment - An STFC departmental quota applies to this scheme. Oxford Physics can support up to 8 applications, and runs a competitive internal sift to select our supported candidates. EOIs are reviewed by department sift panels against a simplified version of the STFC ERF criteria. Reviewers will consider:

  • the excellence, timeliness, feasibility and importance of the proposed research
  • alignment of the proposal with the STFC programme
  • the applicant’s research achievements, skills and experience relative to career stage
  • the applicant’s potential to establish an independent research career
  • suitability of Oxford Physics as host environment, including infrastructure and support for career development

Support for applicants - Supported candidates will receive internal guidance documents and application support from the Research Facilitation team. In addition, two workshops will be held to support applicants with the application process. The sessions are identical; supported candidates only need to attend one.

Reviewer comments are typically released several months after submission. Applicants are encouraged to work with their sponsor and the Research Facilitation team when preparing responses.

Applicants subsequently invited to interview should inform the Research Facilitation team as early as possible so that mock interview support can be arranged.

Equality, diversity and inclusion - Oxford Physics supports flexible working and career breaks, and recognises that a range of personal circumstances may influence career progression. We welcome applications from those with non-linear career paths or those returning to research following a break, for example due to illness, caring responsibilities, parental leave or work outside academia. Applicants are encouraged to highlight any relevant circumstances in their EOI, or to discuss them confidentially with the Research Facilitation team at fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk.

We particularly encourage EOIs from individuals from underrepresented groups in Physics. If you have difficulty securing a sponsor within the department or need further guidance on this, please contact the facilitation team and we will work with you to provide support. If you require specific support or accommodations during the application process, please let us know.

Oxford Physics regularly reviews its internal fellowship selection processes to improve transparency, accessibility and inclusivity. Internal selection panels are provided with guidance on equitable assessment practices, including consideration of career breaks, part-time working, disability, neurodiversity, caring responsibilities and other contextual factors.

For further information on our approach to EDI, visit our ED&I webpage.