"Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Research Fellowship School of Natural Science"

Background

The Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Manchester has been investing in Early Career Researchers for many years, increasing the diversity of our staff. These represent a strategic investment in outstanding researchers who will shape our future research portfolio. In 2026, we plan to appoint Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw University Research Fellowships in the School of Natural Sciences. These fellowships are fixed term for 5 years and are an excellent stepping-stone to establishing an independent research career and gaining a full-time permanent academic position. We are looking for outstanding candidates who have the ability to undertake world leading in some of the following areas:

• Atmospheric and climate science
• Bio-physics
• Chemometrics and AI
• Digitally-Driven Garment Manufacture and Innovation
• Fashion Business Technology
• Functional Materials
• Fundamental Mathematics Research
• Mathematical Foundations of AI and Data Science,
• Mathematics with Industrial Applications
• Quantum
• Sustainable catalysis for future synthesis

Application Process

Key contacts and information about the Faculty, Schools, Departments and Institutes can be found on our website (https://www.se.manchester.ac.uk/) and queries may be emailed to DKOFellows@manchester.ac.uk.

Applications should be submitted via the application form on Jobtrain together with the following supporting documents noting the maximum page numbers for each document:

• Curriculum Vitae (2 pages)
• Please also upload your Research Proposal (2 pages), Academic Impact Statement (1 page) and Statement of Strategic Fit (1 page). These three documents must be combined into a single pdf (4 pages in total)

Please ensure you indicate which Department you are applying to. Deadline for applications: 23.59 (UK time) Monday 30 March 2026.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted by a panel, independently chaired by a Head of School. A shortlist of candidates will be drawn and presented to the Faculty. An interview panel chaired by the Vice President and Dean of the Faculty will carry out the final interview.

Full details relating to eligibility; appointment details/conditions; and application procedure are outlined in the Guidance Notes that accompany this scheme.

Key Dates

• Date Call issued: Friday 06 March 2026
• Deadline for applications: 23:59 Monday 30 March 2026
• Shortlisting completed: Friday 01 May 2026
• Invitations to first interview issued: Tuesday 5 May 2026
• First interviews: From week beginning 11 May 2026
• Invitations for final interview issued: Friday 29 May 2026
• Final interviews: Tuesday 09 June, Wednesday 10 June or Thursday 11 June 2026
• Outcomes notified to interviewees: Monday 15 June 2026
• Fellowship Start date: as soon as possible after announcement of success

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Email: DKOFellows@manchester.ac.uk.