Fellowships for Early Career Researchers / Career Development Fellowships 2026 in Science: Mathematics, Computer Science

Merton College proposes to appoint one three-year, fixed-term Early Career Researcher from 1 October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter in the fields of Mathematics or Computer Science (broadly interpreted). The posts are available to early career researchers and are intended to provide opportunities for the successful applicants to establish a research profile and to help prepare postholders for academic careers. We will consider applications from candidates working in any area of mathematics or computer science, including those working on applications to sciences or engineering.

The Early Career Researcher is expected to undertake a high-quality programme of original research in one of the subjects specified above, to publicise outcomes and to engage in the academic life of the College. They may also undertake a limited amount of teaching.

Candidates should hold a recently completed doctorate or be close to completion of a doctorate and will have submitted their thesis no later than 3 months before the start date of this post. Those who formally submitted their doctoral thesis for viva voce examination before 1 October 2024 are not eligible, unless they have since had a career break or if there are other exceptional circumstances.

Candidates must also have research expertise in their chosen field commensurate with the candidate’s career as demonstrated by a recently completed (or close to being completed) doctoral thesis, published or forthcoming books or articles in refereed journals, conference proceedings, software packages or patents (as relevant to the candidate’s field), or evidence of such future achievement. A coherent plan for the duration of the appointment of research expected to make a valuable contribution to the candidate’s field is required, as well as evidence of active participation in the successful dissemination of research findings.

The duties and skills required are described in more detail in the further particulars which also contain details of eligibility criteria, how to apply and allowances associated with the Fellowships.

The deadline for candidates to submit any queries in relation to these Further Particulars is 9.00am on Friday 10th October 2025. Any enquiries should be directed in the first instance to the HR team at jrfadmin@merton.ox.ac.uk.

The closing date for applications is 9.00am on Friday 17th October 2025. Interviews are expected to be held on Monday 26th January 2026.