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

Internal selection for the STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowships is now open

Summary

Internal departmental EOI deadline: 30 June 2025, 12:00 BST 
Funder deadline: expected 30 September 2025, 16:00 BST (to be confirmed)

  • Supports early-career researchers in astronomy, solar and planetary science, particle physics, particle astrophysics, cosmology, accelerator physics, and nuclear physics.
  • Funding available for 5 years, covering the applicant’s salary, limited research expenses, and travel.
  • Approved applications are submitted via the TFS portal.
  • Departmental quota applies (Oxford Physics can usually support 8 applicants + 1 under John Adams Institute remit).
  • All queries should be directed to: fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk

Please note: Due to current funding uncertainties at STFC, both the number of fellowships available and the timeline for this call may be subject to change. Interested candidates are advised to email fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk so that we can keep you informed of any updates.

Overview

The STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowships support exceptional early-career researchers to establish independent research careers in STFC-relevant fields. The fellowships provide up to five years of funding, allowing recipients to conduct innovative research within a host institution. Oxford Physics runs an internal selection process due to the funder’s institutional quota.

Further information is available on the STFC website and on the 2024 call page.

Eligibility

  • Applicants must hold a PhD or have equivalent relevant experience.
  • There is no formal limit on years of post-PhD experience; however, successful applicants typically have at least 4 years’ experience at the time they begin the fellowship.
  • Applicants must not hold a tenured academic position (e.g. Lecturer) and will be ineligible if appointed to such a position before the fellowship offer.
  • Open to applicants of any nationality.
  • The scheme is eligible for a Global Talent visa.
  • Applicants should consult the STFC competency framework to confirm they are at the appropriate career stage.

Key dates and deadlines (2025 round)

  • 30 June, 12:00 BST – Internal EOI deadline
    Submit your EOI to fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk, including:
    • 1-page outline of proposed research;
    • CV;
    • Publications/output list;
    • Sub-department;
    • CC your Oxford Physics sponsor (they must confirm support).
  • w/c 21 July – Outcomes of internal selection process announced
  • w/c 28 July – Application workshop (in-person and online)
  • ~24 September – Submit application to University Research Services (via TFS portal) (date to be confirmed when call opens)
  • ~30 September (16:00 UK time) – Final submission to STFC by Research Services via TFS (date to be confirmed when call opens)

Additional information

Sponsor - Applicants must identify and work with a host academic in Oxford Physics to develop their proposal. This individual will act as your sponsor. Please contact them early to confirm their support before submitting your EOI. If you experience difficulties securing a sponsor, email: fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk

Assessment criteria (used for both STFC and internal selection):

  • Excellence of the applicant’s research achievements
  • Potential to lead their research field
  • Ability to support and develop others, and to communicate research clearly
  • Quality, originality, feasibility, and importance of the proposed research
  • Strategic value to the STFC programme

Selection quota - An STFC departmental quota is in place for this scheme. For the 2024 round, the departmental limit was 8 places and 1 for applicants under John Adam's Institute remit (accelerator science).

Training for selected candidates - We will hold two workshops to assist selected applicants with the application process. The sessions are identical, so selected candidates only need to attend one (w/c 28 July)

Interview support - If invited to interview, please inform your sponsor and Research Facilitator to arrange a mock interview. 

Reviewer comments - these may be sent 3–6 months post-submission; applicants should work with their sponsor and facilitator when drafting responses.

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 (e.g. 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. Should any candidate have difficulty in securing a sponsor within the department or need further guidance on this please contact the facilitation team and we will endeavour to support you. If you require specific support or accommodations during the application process, please let us know. 

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