STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowships
2026 STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowships opportunity
School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews
Starting Date: 1 October 2027
Tenure: Up to five years
The School of Physics and Astronomy will support up to two applications for the Early Independence: Ernest Rutherford Fellowships 2026 scheme. We encourage applicants working in all relevant fields to STFC research who would enhance or complement research undertaken in the School. We encourage researchers with diverse career paths to apply, for example seeking to resume their research career after a career break.
The research in the Astronomy Group at the University of St Andrews covers a wide range of areas from both theoretical and observational astrophysics. You can read more about our research here, and a list of current staff members is available here.
Please note, there have been changes to the documents and the guidance for applicants, see STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowship webpage for details.
A pre-application should be made by submitting the following documents by 23 June 2026, 17:00h to [email protected]:
- Application form
- a Curriculum Vitae.
All applicants will be informed of the outcome between 10 and 17 July 2026.
As per STFC rules, candidates will not be asked to accept an offer to be hosted by St Andrews before 17 July 2026. This ensures candidates who submit pre-applications to multiple host organisations have enough time to make an informed decision.
The successful pre-application candidates will be provided with support and advice to improve their applications before submission to STFC. If selected for interview, the School will also arrange mock interviews to maximise their chance of success.
The STFC closing date for submission of applications Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 16:00 Hours UK time, although a slightly earlier submission by the candidates will be required to ensure sufficient time for the University of St Andrews admin team to accept the submission.
Successful past applicants typically have 4-9 years of post-doctoral experience in their field, have a strong past research record and can demonstrate leadership in their field and/or major research collaborations or projects. Please read the assessment criteria in the call documentation to understand whether you are likely to be competitive. If you have any doubts, please contact a member of staff in your field at the University of St Andrews.
Applications are particularly welcome from women, people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in academic posts at the University. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience and form a central pillar of the University Strategy. We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, Race Charters). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ Disabled and Neurodiverse staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities or Neurodiversity Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network. Full details are available online from the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpage of the University of St Andrews.
Pre-Application Deadline Date: 23 June 2026, 17:00 BST.
