STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowships

The Research Centre for Fluid and Complex Systems (FCS) at Coventry University is looking to host a prestigious Ernest Rutherford Fellowship (ERF).

These fellowships support early career researchers with leadership potential, enabling them to establish independent research programmes. Targeting researchers without permanent academic positions, applications should align with the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) core science areas, including astronomy, solar and planetary science, particle physics, particle astrophysics, cosmology, nuclear physics, and accelerator physics.

FCS members working in related research areas include:

Theoreticians, numericists and experimentalists are all encouraged to apply. FCS conducts unique experimental research in geophysical and astrophysical fluid dynamics.

Funding is available for five years and includes the applicant's salary and limited research expenses and travel funding. The scheme is open to applicants of any nationality who hold a PhD (or significant experience) and have clear leadership potential. Further guidance is available on the STFC website.

STFC operate a quota system and Coventry University’s Research Centre for Fluid and Complex Systems can only submit one application. Therefore, an internal selection process will take place to determine which candidate will be put forward.

Deadlines and timescales

Interested candidates should contact one of the FCS Centre members listed above to discuss, mentor and support their application.
We warmly invite all interested candidates to come and visit the Research Centre and meet the team at any time, either before or after the internal deadline for expression of interest.
STFC have an expression of interest template for the Ernest Rutherford Fellowship. Candidates can either complete this expression of interest form – or provide a covering letter, and their CV including their top five research publications.
Candidates should submit their expression of interest on or before 27 June 2025 to Prof Eun-jin Kim, with your identified Coventry University academic mentor copied in.
Candidates will be invited to interview and to visit the centre (if they haven’t done so already)
Candidates will be notified of the outcome of the internal selection process by the end of July.
The successful candidate will then continue to develop their proposal with their academic mentor and the Coventry University research funding and development team. We would anticipate a first draft proposal be provided by 5 September 2025 to allow time for review and feedback.
The team will continue to support the candidate to work on their application in order to meet the final submission deadline of 1 October 2025.

Diversity and inclusion

We particularly welcome fellowship applicants from diverse backgrounds and individuals from underrepresented groups.

Please reach out to Professor Eun-jin Kim if you wish to discuss your individual circumstances or you have any accessibility requirements for the application or internal selection process.

The Ernest Rutherford Fellowships scheme encourages people to work in a way that suits their personal circumstances. This includes consideration of career breaks, support for people with caring responsibilities, flexible working and alternative working patterns during the fellowship.

Fellowships can be held on a part-time basis if required for your personal circumstances such as caring responsibilities or disability/chronic health conditions. Applications are welcome from applicants who are returning from a career break or those working outside of academia.