"Glasstone Research Fellowship in Physics"

Glasstone Research Fellowship in Physics

Applications are invited for a Glasstone Research Fellowship, tenable at the University of Oxford in the Department of Physics. The fellowship will normally start from 1 October 2026.

The prestigious Glasstone Research Fellowships in Science are supported by the Glasstone Bequest, which was set up to encourage scientists at an early stage of their career to follow their research interests at Oxford, one of the world’s leading science universities.

The position is available for a fixed-term period of 3 years.

Eligibility

Applicants must hold a PhD/DPhil in Physics by the start date of the Fellowship. Candidates requiring a visa may wish to ensure they have obtained their PhD three months before the anticipated 1 October start date to allow time to secure the appropriate visa. Preference will be given to candidates at an early stage in their research career and who have not already held a substantive independent fellowship.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The Glasstone Research Fellows are expected to:

• conduct an original programme of research in Physics
• disseminate their research through publication in scholarly journals, participation in international conferences and seminars, and through other media;
• contribute to the intellectual life of the department;
• gain some experience of teaching (up to a maximum of six hours per week).

Selection criteria

The following qualifications, qualities, and experience will be taken into consideration.

• Applicants must hold a PhD/DPhil in Physics. The PhD/DPhil must have been awarded by the start date of the Fellowship.
• An aptitude for original scientific research in Physics
• A publication record consonant with experience and field of study
• The merit of the research proposal submitted with the application
• Research interests that align with the department’s activities; this can cover bringing in expertise in a new field as well as fitting in with existing strengths
• Breadth of experience: candidates normally should have, or be seeking to obtain, experience in more than one academic institution

Please note that preference will be given to candidates at an early stage in their research career and who have not already held a substantive independent fellowship.

Only online applications received before midday on 5 January 2026 can be considered. You will be required to upload 3 documents in support of your application:

1. A completed cover letter indicating how you meet the Essential Selection Criteria.
2. A CV with publications list ensuring that it contains any brief description needed to explain your research experience.
3. A research proposal setting out what you aim to achieve during the fellowship: this must not exceed two sides of A4 in length (including any bibliography), and it should start with a short summary written for a non-specialist scientific reader.

As part of the application form, you will also need to provide details of three referees. At least one of your referees should be from your current or most recent employing institution.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a remote interview, expected to take place in the week commencing

The Department holds an Athena Swan Gold award, highlighting its commitment to promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology.