Applications for Research Fellowships

Considering a Research Fellowship with Imperial Particle Physics? We're delighted you're exploring this opportunity—and we’re here to support you throughout the process.

To give your application the best chance of success, we encourage early engagement with an academic staff member in your area of research interest. This initial conversation will help you assess whether Imperial is the right environment for your goals and allow us to explore alignment and sponsorship. Fellowship applications are a collaborative effort, and early discussions allow us to provide tailored support from the start.

To maintain the high standards and competitiveness of our submissions, Imperial Physics runs an internal selection process for most fellowship schemes. If you and your prospective sponsor agree to move forward, they will guide you through the internal selection process and help you prepare the necessary documentation. Where there is a Research Community quota (always for Royal Society URF and STFC ERF) the Particle Physics Community, in turn, runs its own pre-selection process ahead of the Departmental deadlines. Please note that we are unable to consider requests received after our internal deadline—early engagement is essential.

If your nomination is approved, you will receive structured guidance and support throughout the application process, including feedback, review, and coordination with Research Services. Internal submission deadlines are set ahead of funder deadlines to ensure institutional approval time, and you will be advised of these dates in advance.

Successful applicants will be offered appropriate office or laboratory space, access to shared departmental facilities, and dedicated mentorship—typically provided by your internal sponsor or another experienced academic—to support both your research and professional development.

A Welcoming and Inclusive Research Culture

We are committed to fostering a welcoming, collaborative, and inclusive environment for all researchers. We actively encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in physics, including those who identify as female, Black and other minority ethnic researchers, disabled researchers, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We also welcome candidates returning from a career break or those seeking flexible or part-time fellowships due to personal or caring responsibilities. If you experience any barriers during the application process, please let us know so we can make appropriate adjustments.

Additional Support

The Early Career Researcher Institute provides a wide range of support services for fellowship applicants applying through Imperial—from application development to mock interviews. We strongly encourage you to make use of these resources in addition to the support provided by your Research Community. For more information, visit: Early Career Researcher Institute – Fellowship FAQs.

ERC Starting Grants 2027

Status: Open - Nomination deadline: 1 July 2026

European Research Council Starting Grants support early-career researchers to establish independent research programmes at the frontiers of knowledge. The scheme offers up to €1.5 million over five years. Applicants based in the EU or an Associated Country may request up to an additional €1 million to cover eligible costs such as start-up costs, major equipment, access to large facilities, major experimental costs and fieldwork. Applicants currently based outside the EU or Associated Countries who are relocating may request up to an additional €2 million for these costs and relocation.

Imperial Physics applicants are expected to commit 50% of their time to the grant. The Department will cover the remaining 50% in exchange for a small teaching load.

Key facts

  •   Duration: Up to 5 years
  • Eligibility: The ERC has announced that changes to eligibility windows are expected from the 2027 Work Programme; Starting Grant applicants will be eligible to apply from the moment they successfully defend their first PhD and for up to ten years thereafter. Extensions to the eligibility window may apply in eligible circumstances (e.g. parental leave, long-term illness). Final eligibility criteria will be confirmed in the official call documents once published.
  • Department quota: None

 Nomination process (Imperial Physics)

  •   Internal EOI deadline: 1 July 2026
  • Results of Department selection announced: Week beginning 20 July
  • Internal finalisation deadline (for approved applicants): Three weeks before the funder deadline for Part A, including budget and resources justification.
  • Funder deadline: TBC (expected October)

 Applicants should complete the Imperial Expression of Interest (EOI) form, including their CV and publication list, and email it to physics-fellowships@imperial.ac.uk, copying their proposed sponsor.

ERC Consolidator Grants 2027
Status: Open
Nomination deadline: 1 October 2026

European Research Council Consolidator Grants support mid-career researchers in consolidating their independence and establishing or strengthening ambitious research programmes at the frontiers of knowledge. The scheme offers up to €2 million over five years. Applicants based in the EU or an Associated Country may request up to an additional €1 million to cover eligible costs such as start-up costs, major equipment, access to large facilities, major experimental costs and fieldwork. Applicants currently based outside the EU or Associated Countries who are relocating may request up to an additional €2 million for these costs and relocation.

Imperial Physics applicants are expected to commit 50% of their time to the grant. The Department will cover the remaining 50% in exchange for a small teaching load.

Key facts

  • Duration: Up to 5 years
  • Eligibility: The ERC has announced that changes to eligibility windows are expected from the 2027 Work Programme. Consolidator Grant applicants will be eligible to apply from 5 to 15 years post PhD defence. Extensions to the eligibility window may apply in eligible circumstances (e.g. parental leave, long-term illness). Final eligibility criteria will be confirmed in the official call documents once published.
  • Department quota: None

Nomination process (Imperial Physics)

  • Internal EOI deadline: 1 October 2026
  • Results of Department selection announced: Week beginning 19 October
  • Internal finalisation deadline (for approved applicants): 7 December for Part A, including budget and resources justification.
  • Funder deadline: TBC (expected early January)

Applicants should complete the Imperial Expression of Interest (EOI) form, including their CV and publication list, and email it to physics-fellowships@imperial.ac.uk, copying their proposed sponsor.

Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship (Managed by Imperial)

Status: Closed. Wave 6 will open in summer 2026 (typical deadline late September).

This two-year postdoctoral fellowship, supported by Schmidt Futures, enables researchers to apply artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to scientific challenges across the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics. Fellows join a cross-disciplinary cohort and receive structured training in AI methods, alongside mentorship and research support within their Imperial host Community

Two career stages are supported:

  • Research Associate level – for applicants more recently out of their PhD
  • Research Fellow level – for those with several years of postdoctoral (or equivalent) experience, including supervision responsibilities. Experience may come from either academia or industry.

Key Facts:

  • Duration: 2 years
  • Eligibility requirements: please refer to the call webpage for Al in Science remit.
  • Department quota: None

Application process:

  • Applicants apply directly via Imperial’s Talentlink system, but must have secured an internal sponsor at Imperial before submitting an application.
  • Imperial Physics will shortlist applicants (including interviews) after the call closing date, typically over October/early November, and will nominate up to three applicants to the Faculty review panel.

Imperial College Research Fellowships (ICRF)
Status: Closed. Will open late March with application deadline 23 July 2026. Details are subject to change once the call is live.

The ICRF is a prestigious four-year fellowship supporting outstanding early-career researchers in establishing independent careers at Imperial with up to £30,000 for research/travel (up to £45,000 in justified cases)

Key Facts:

  • Duration: 4 years
  • Start Date: Between 1 August and 1 December 2027
  • Eligibility: ≤4 years post-PhD (viva date) by closing date excluding career breaks
  • Department quota: None

Application process:

  • Applicants apply directly via Imperial’s Talentlink system, but must have secured an internal sponsor at Imperial before submitting an application.
  • Applicants will also need to send their final draft “Research Proposal and Budget” form to physics-fellowships@imperial.ac.uk, copying your sponsor, for Department approval.
  • Imperial Physics will shortlist applicants after the call closing date and nominate candidates to the Faculty interview panel (previously ~2). The Faculty will then submit selected applicants to the ICRF central selection committee.
  • Departmental approval deadline: 16 July 2026
  • Imperial deadline: 23 July 2026

MSCA European Postdoctoral Fellowships
Status: Open – internal deadline 19 August 2026 (call expected to open on ECAS 9 April)

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie European Postdoctoral Fellowships are prestigious, EU-funded awards supporting talented researchers in developing independent careers through advanced training and international mobility. Fellowships last 12 to 24 months and are open to researchers of any nationality, provided they meet the mobility rule. Please note that we are not hosting Global Postdoctoral Fellowships.

Imperial guidance

Key Facts:

  • Duration: 12–24 months
  • Eligibility: Doctoral degree + no more than 8 years’ full-time research experience; must not have resided or worked in the UK for more than 12 of the 36 months before the call deadline
  • Department quota: None

Application process (Imperial Physics):

Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 Research Fellowships
Status: Open
Nomination deadline: 1 October 2026

The Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 awards Research Fellowships to support early career scientists and engineers of exceptional promise. These fellowships are open to candidates in any branch of the physical or biological sciences, mathematics, applied science, or engineering.

Key Facts:

  • Duration: 3 years
  • Eligibility: hold a PhD or will do before taking up the fellowship, have ≤3 years postdoctoral experience at the anticipated start date, normally move to a different institution from both their PhD institution and their current host institution.
  • Department quota: Five

  Nomination process (Imperial Physics)

  • Internal EOI deadline: 1 October 2026
  • Results of Department selection announced: Week beginning 19 October
  • Funder deadline: TBC (expected early January 2027)

 Applicants should complete the Imperial Expression of Interest (EOI) form, including their CV and publication list, and email it to physics-fellowships@imperial.ac.uk, copying their proposed sponsor.

Royal Society Career Development Fellowship
Status: Open
Nomination deadline: 6 August 2026

The Royal Society Career Development Fellowship (CDF) supports outstanding early-career researchers from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM. The fellowship provides funding to help establish an independent research career and is open to researchers across the Royal Society’s scientific remit.

Key Facts:

  • Duration: Up to 4 years
  • Eligibility: You self-identify as being from a Black heritage, including mixed Black background; you are a UK national, or have completed part of your education in the UK (Undergraduate, Master’s, or PhD), or hold/have held a postdoctoral researcher position in the UK; you have a PhD, or will have one by the time the funding starts, with less than 24 months postdoctoral experience
  • Department quota: None

 Nomination process (Imperial Physics)

  • Internal EOI deadline: 6 August 2026
  • Results of Department selection announced: Week beginning 24 August
  • Internal finalisation deadline (for approved applicants): 11 November
  • Funder deadline: 18 November

Applicants should complete the Imperial Expression of Interest (EOI) form, including their CV and publication list, and email it to physics-fellowships@imperial.ac.uk, copying their proposed sponsor.

Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowships
Status: Open
Nomination deadline: 16 July 2026

The Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship supports early-career scientists who require flexible working arrangements due to personal circumstances such as parental or caring responsibilities or health conditions. The fellowship provides funding to help establish an independent research career and is open to researchers across the Royal Society’s scientific remit.

Key Facts:

  • Duration: Up to 8 years
  • Eligibility: Early-career researchers with up to six years of research experience post-PhD (excluding career breaks) and have or will have by the start of the fellowship a need flexible support due to personal circumstances
  • Department quota: None

 Nomination process (Imperial Physics)

  • Internal EOI deadline: 16 July 2026
  • Results of Department selection announced: Week beginning 3 August
  • Internal finalisation deadline (for approved applicants): 21 October
  • Funder deadline: 28 October

Applicants should complete the Imperial Expression of Interest (EOI) form, including their CV and publication list, and email it to physics-fellowships@imperial.ac.uk, copying their proposed sponsor.

Royal Society Newton International Fellowships 
Status: Closed (2026 nominations closed 8 January 2026)

The Newton International Fellowship programme provides support for outstanding early career researchers to make a first step towards developing an independent research career through gaining experience across international borders. The fellowships enable researchers to access expertise, gain new perspectives and build long-lasting collaborative relationships.

Key facts:

  • Duration: 2 years
  • Eligibility: Applicants must have been awarded their PhD or successfully defended their doctoral thesis by the closing date for applications; have no more than five years of active full-time postdoctoral experience (excluding career breaks but including teaching and industry research), be based outside the UK, and not hold UK citizenship.
  • Each UK academic Sponsor can only support one application in any round.
  • Department quota: ten

 Nomination process (Imperial Physics):

  • Internal EOI deadline: TBC
  • Results of Department selection announced: week beginning TBC
  • Internal finalisation deadline (for approved applicants): TBC
  • Funder deadline: TBC

Complete the Imperial Expression of Interest (EOI) form (TBC), including your CV and publication list, and email it to physics-fellowships@imperial.ac.uk, copying your sponsor.

Royal Society University Research Fellowship (URF)
Status: Open
Nomination deadline: 1 June 2026

The Royal Society University Research Fellowship supports outstanding early-career researchers in the natural sciences who have the potential to become leaders in their field. The scheme offers up to 8 years of funding, enabling awardees to build an independent research career in a UK institution.

Key Facts:

  • Duration: Up to 8 years
  • Eligibility: Early-career researchers with three to eight years of research experience (excluding career breaks).

Given the expected level of interest, Imperial Physics operates a competitive internal selection process for this scheme. Expressions of Interest will first be reviewed by the relevant Research Communities, with shortlisted proposals progressing to the Department Research Committee, which will confirm the applicants supported to submit a full proposal.

Nomination process (Imperial Physics)

  • Internal EOI deadline: 1 June 2026
  • Results of Department selection announced: Week beginning 6 July
  • Internal finalisation deadline (for approved applicants): 26 August
  • Funder deadline: 9 September

Applicants should complete the Imperial Expression of Interest (EOI) form, including their CV and publication list, and email it to physics-fellowships@imperial.ac.uk, copying their proposed sponsor.

STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowship (ERF)
Status: Open
Nomination deadline: 1 June 2026

The Ernest Rutherford Fellowship, funded by STFC, enables early-career researchers to establish independent research careers in the STFC core science areas: astronomy, solar and planetary science, particle physics, particle astrophysics, cosmology, nuclear physics, and accelerator science. The scheme provides funding for up to 5 years to support ambitious scientific research at UK institutions.

Key Facts:

  • Duration: Up to 5 years
  • Eligibility: Early-career researchers in STFC core science areas with a PhD and clear leadership potential
  • Department quota: TBC by STFC

Given the expected level of interest, Imperial Physics operates a competitive internal selection process for this scheme. Expressions of Interest will first be reviewed by the relevant Research Communities, with shortlisted proposals progressing to the Department Research Committee, which will confirm the applicants supported to submit a full proposal.

We are opening our internal process ahead of the official call to give applicants time to prepare and explore opportunities. Requirements and timelines for this call may be subject to change.

Nomination process (Imperial Physics)

  • Internal EOI deadline: 1 June 2026
  • Results of Department selection announced: Week beginning 6 July
  • Internal finalisation deadline (for approved applicants): TBC
  • Funder deadline: TBC

Applicants should complete the Imperial Expression of Interest (EOI) form, including their CV and publication list, and email it to physics-fellowships@imperial.ac.uk, copying their proposed sponsor.

UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships (FLF)

Status: Open - Internal EOI deadline: 2 March 2026

The UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships (FLF) scheme supports talented early-career researchers and innovators across all disciplines to transition to, or establish, independence. Fellowships provide long-term, flexible funding for ambitious and challenging research and innovation projects.

Key facts:

  • Duration: Up to 7 years (initial 4 years with possible extension)
  • Eligibility: Early-career researchers and innovators from any discipline or sector

Nomination process: Imperial operates a University-level managed selection process for this scheme.

  • Internal EOI deadline: 2 March 2026

Applicants must complete a short online application form and upload:

  • Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
  • Imperial UKRI FLF Request for Support form (maximum 3 pages)

Full details are available via Imperial Information for applicants
Applicants are encouraged to contact the relevant Research Community before submitting an application to ensure strategic fit.

Shortlisting and assessment process:

Following the internal EOI deadline, applications are reviewed and shortlisted at Department level. For Imperial Physics, the Department may nominate up to two applicants to Faculty review. Faculties may then nominate up to seven applicants to the University. Faculty nomination outcomes are expected to be confirmed around 22 April. The University selects the final eight applicants permitted to submit a full application to UKRI.

Key dates (approved applicants):

  • Internal finalisation deadline (Physics): 8 June
  • Funder deadline: 16 June