We are proud to support the Leverhulme Early Career fellowship programme, designed to aid early career researchers who have a research record but have not yet held a full-time permanent academic post. This fellowship allows researchers to undertake a significant piece of publishable work.
Leverhulme Early Career fellowship
Status: Open - internal deadline for expression of interest is Friday 14 November 2025 at 12 noon
Application process: In preparation for the funder deadline, we invite expressions of interest from those wishing to apply for a Leverhulme Early Career fellowship with our Physics and Astronomy Department. This scheme is aimed at Early Career Researchers within the first 4 years since the award of their PhD, and who do not currently hold a full-time permanent position in a UK university.
"I hold a Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship at The University of Manchester's Department of Physics, focusing on scaling single photon emitters in wide-bandgap semiconductors for next-gen quantum technologies. This fellowship enables me to lead my research while benefiting from Manchester's collaborative, world-class facilities and gaining essential academic experience".
Dr Stephen Church / Leverhulme Early Career Research Fellow
Expression of interest
To ensure the submission of high-quality proposals, the department conducts an internal selection process. It is essential to reach out early to discuss potential alignment with our funding schemes and departmental goals.
Expressions of interest should include:
- a one-page CV, including details of the candidate’s top 5 publications.
- The names and email addresses of two referees (no references required at this stage).
- A one-page outline research proposal, which includes details on why your work is (a) an appropriate fit for this scheme and (b) a match to the research of the host department/institute.
If you require guidance, our leads are available for advice. Our internal selection process holistically assesses candidates, disregarding factors such as years since PhD, PhD institution, national origin, number of publications, or protected characteristics, unless mandated by funders. This will initially take place in departments before a faculty panel selects the final candidates. We advise you to email your expression of interest to our fellowship support team as soon as possible and well in advance of the internal deadline.
Candidates who are selected to go forward will be notified by 12 December 2025 in advance of the call opening in the new year.
We support a range of fellowships
Our Physics Department supports postdoctoral, tenure-track, and established researchers in their fields, including the Marie Curie fellowship.