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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Contribute to a research project while developing your own ideas and protocols.
- Company: Join a top-ranked university known for groundbreaking research and educational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, research support, and the chance to enhance your career.
- Why this job: This role offers a unique opportunity to advance your research career post-PhD in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be an EPSRC-funded PhD student with a completed thesis within 12 months.
- Other info: Fixed term positions available for 3-6 months, starting between October 2025 and January 2026.
The predicted salary is between 30700 - 47000 £ per year.
The Role
This scheme offers up to 6 months follow-on funding to EPSRC-funded research students after they have submitted their PhD.
The EPSRC Postdoctoral Pathway scheme (formerly known as Doctoral Prize scheme) is intended to help universities retain and recruit the best PhD students receiving EPSRC support to increase the impact of their PhD, and to improve retention of the very best students in research careers. Awards can comprise between three and six months salary (at Grade 7 SP 30) and some research support costs for an EPSRC-funded student following the submission of their PhD thesis (typically within 12 months). It is a requirement for the student to be previously funded by EPSRC (directly or as part of an EPSRC CDT, iCASE award or prosperity partnership). Students may have studied in Durham or elsewhere for their PhD, but should identify a project at Durham that constitutes a new and discrete body of work that progresses and exploits the outcomes of their doctoral work or enables research activity that makes a clear contributio n to their career goals.
Longer awards may be possible if supported by leveraging funds from industry or a third party that enable duration beyond 31st March 2026, but all funding from this scheme must be spent before the end of March. (At the time of advert we are not aware of any funding offered to match or extend positions through this scheme, but academic colleagues will be invited to post a brief description of any such positions and their contact details here at any point between now and the deadline as any opportunities emerge: ).
Applications should be submitted by the student with support from the proposed academic supervisor, who may be in any of our EPSRC remit departments. Each of our unique and award-winning departments is ranked among the best in t he UK and globally. We take pride ourselves in conducting groundbreaking research, providing educational excellence and recruiting the best from across the world.
These posts are fixed term for 3 – 6 months. EPSRC Postdoctoral Pathway funding is available from 01/10/2025 to 31/03/26 only.
The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.
Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post from 1st October 2025 and no later than 1st January 2026
£38,784 per annum (Grade 7)
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EPSRC Postdoctoral Pathway Research Associate employer: Durham University
Contact Detail:
Durham University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land EPSRC Postdoctoral Pathway Research Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Network with your academic supervisors and colleagues who are familiar with the EPSRC funding landscape. They can provide insights into potential projects at Durham that align with your PhD work and help you identify opportunities for collaboration.
✨Tip Number 2
Attend relevant seminars and workshops at Durham or other institutions to stay updated on current research trends and projects. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also allow you to meet potential collaborators and supervisors.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with the EPSRC community through online forums or social media groups. This can help you connect with other researchers who have successfully navigated the Postdoctoral Pathway, providing you with valuable tips and advice.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how your previous research aligns with the goals of the EPSRC Postdoctoral Pathway during informal meetings or interviews. Being able to articulate this connection clearly will demonstrate your commitment and suitability for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace EPSRC Postdoctoral Pathway Research Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the EPSRC Postdoctoral Pathway Research Associate position. Understand the requirements, expectations, and the nature of the work involved, especially the need for a project that builds on your PhD research.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the role. Emphasise your PhD work, any EPSRC funding you have received, and how your research contributes to the goals of the project at Durham.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the position and detail how your background and research interests align with the project. Mention your previous EPSRC funding and how it has prepared you for this opportunity.
Seek Academic Support: Since applications require support from a proposed academic supervisor, reach out to potential supervisors early. Discuss your project ideas and ensure they are willing to support your application, as their endorsement is crucial.
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Understand the EPSRC Framework
Familiarise yourself with the EPSRC's objectives and how your research aligns with their goals. Be prepared to discuss how your previous work can contribute to ongoing projects at Durham.
✨Showcase Your Research Impact
Highlight the impact of your PhD research and how it can be expanded upon in this role. Be specific about the outcomes of your doctoral work and how they can benefit the project you will be involved in.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Supervisor
Think of insightful questions to ask your proposed academic supervisor during the interview. This shows your interest in collaboration and helps you understand the expectations and dynamics of the team.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
Since the role involves contributing to an existing project rather than leading your own, emphasise your ability to adapt your research ideas to fit within a collaborative framework. Share examples of past experiences where you successfully integrated into a team.
