We are proud to support the Ernest Rutherford fellowship programme designed to assist researchers without a permanent post in the areas of particle physics, astrophysics, nuclear physics, and accelerator science.
Ernest Rutherford fellowship
Status: Internal deadline for expression of interest: 29 June 2025.
Application process: In preparation for this funding scheme opening we invite expressions of interest from those wishing to apply for an Ernest Rutherford fellowship with our Physics and Astronomy Department.
"The University of Manchester is the perfect fit for my Ernest Rutherford Fellowship, the first awarded in the field of accelerator physics, exploring novel laser and terahertz techniques for future compact particle accelerators. With access to world-leading expertise and facilities through partnership of the Cockcroft Institute and international collaborators such as CERN, together with close proximity to the largest linear accelerator test facility in the UK at Daresbury National Laboratory, Manchester is the ideal place to deliver cutting-edge accelerator science".
Dr Morgan Hibberd / Ernest Rutherford Research Fellow
Initial enquiries
To ensure the submission of high-quality proposals, the department conducts an internal selection process for all major fellowship applications.
Initial enquiries should be sent to the staff member for your area of research:
- Accelerator Physics - Darren Graham
- Astronomy (Extragalactic / Near Universe / Exoplanets / Solar) - Richard Battye
- Nuclear Physics - Kieran Flanagan
- Particle (Astrophysics / Cosmology*) Andrew Pilkington (Particle) or Richard Battye (Astrophysics)
- Particle (Experiment) - Andrew Pilkington
- Particle (Theory) - Jeffrey Forshaw
* This ERF subpanel potentially spans multiple academic groups. Applicants should contact their most relevant group.
Expressions of interest
Expressions of interest should include:
- Confirmation that you are eligible for the scheme (check website link above for details).
- A CV (maximum 2 sides), including:
- Research (clarifying contributions to teams where relevant).
- Career breaks where relevant.
- Teaching, service / leadership, industrial engagement / knowledge exchange.
- List of publications (identify top 5; identify and justify papers with a significant contribution if part of large collaborations).
- Outline research proposal (maximum 2 sides).
For the Ernest Rutherford fellowship the departmental panel will use the following criteria to assess your expression of interest:
- The excellence of the research achievements of the applicant.
- The potential of the individual to lead their research discipline.
- The capability to maximise the potential of others and the ability to be, or become, a clear communicator and disseminator of knowledge.
- The excellence, timeliness, feasibility, distinctive vision and importance of the proposed research.
- Strategic alignment to STFC and Manchester priorities.
Expressions of interest should be submitted to physics-fellowships@manchester.ac.uk and copied to the appropriate senior member of academic staff above.
If you are selected as a Manchester-supported candidate, we will work with you to prepare the full application.
Expected date Manchester will make offers to support: 16 July 2025.
If you have any queries about the process, please contact physics-fellowships@manchester.ac.uk.
We support a range of fellowships
Our Physics Department supports postdoctoral, tenure-track, and established researchers in their fields, including the Faraday Discovery fellowship.