Ernest Rutherford Fellowship
Ernest Rutherford Fellowship

Ernest Rutherford Fellowship

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Physics World

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Apply for a prestigious fellowship to advance your research in mathematical physics.
  • Company: Heriot-Watt University, renowned for its innovative research and collaborative environment.
  • Benefits: Five years of funding, mentorship from leading researchers, and a chance to shape your academic career.
  • Other info: Internal selection process ensures the best candidate represents the university.
  • Why this job: Join a vibrant community and make significant contributions to the field of mathematical physics.
  • Qualifications: Early career researchers without an academic position; diverse backgrounds encouraged.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

The Mathematical Physics Group of Heriot-Watt University invites expressions of interest for the upcoming round of STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowships. Members of the group working in relevant areas include Murad Alim, Richard Davison, Lotte Hollands, Anatoly Konechny, Christian Saemann, Richard Szabo and Matthew Walters. They are affiliated with the Edinburgh Mathematical Physics Group and the Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences, and play leading roles in the Centre for Doctoral Training in Algebra, Geometry and Quantum Fields.

Ernest Rutherford Fellowships provide 5 years of external funding and are intended for early career researchers who do not have an academic position. STFC operate a quota system and the University can only submit one application. An internal selection process will take place to determine which candidate will be put forward to a University-wide competition.

Interested candidates should contact and arrange for one of the group members listed above to mentor and support their application. You should then submit an expression of interest (EOI) before 10th July 2026 to R.J.Szabo@hw.ac.uk, with your academic sponsor in cc. EOIs should consist of an outline application (max 2 pages - template available from your mentor), CV (max 2 pages) and publication list (no page limit). Candidates will be notified of the outcome of the selection process by the end of July 2025. The successful candidate will then continue to develop their proposal with their academic mentor and the research development team until the submission deadline of 30th September 2026.

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

Ernest Rutherford Fellowship employer: Physics World

Heriot-Watt University is an exceptional employer for early career researchers, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment within the esteemed Mathematical Physics Group. With access to five years of external funding through the Ernest Rutherford Fellowship, employees benefit from mentorship by leading academics and opportunities for professional growth in a vibrant academic community located in Edinburgh, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and innovation.
Physics World

Contact Detail:

Physics World Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Ernest Rutherford Fellowship

✨Tip Number 1

Get in touch with one of the group members listed in the job description. They can provide invaluable mentorship and support for your application, which is crucial for standing out in the selection process.

✨Tip Number 2

Make sure your expression of interest (EOI) is top-notch! Use the template provided by your mentor and keep it concise. Remember, clarity and precision are key to making a great first impression.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t forget to highlight your unique experiences and contributions in your CV and publication list. This is your chance to showcase what makes you a standout candidate for the fellowship!

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re here to help you every step of the way!

We think you need these skills to ace Ernest Rutherford Fellowship

Research Skills
Academic Writing
Collaboration
Mentorship
Proposal Development
Communication Skills
Time Management
Understanding of Mathematical Physics
Publication Management
Networking
Diversity Awareness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Get to Know Your Mentor: Before diving into your application, have a chat with your chosen mentor from the Mathematical Physics Group. They can provide invaluable insights and guidance on what makes a strong expression of interest.

Follow the Template: Make sure to use the outline application template provided by your mentor. Sticking to the format helps us keep things organised and ensures you cover all the necessary points in your EOI.

Keep It Concise: Remember, you’ve got a max of 2 pages for your outline application and CV. Be clear and concise, focusing on your key achievements and how they relate to the fellowship. Less is often more!

Submit Through Our Website: Once you’ve polished your documents, don’t forget to submit your expression of interest via email as instructed. We recommend double-checking everything before hitting send to make sure it’s all in tip-top shape!

How to prepare for a job interview at Physics World

✨Know Your Research

Make sure you have a solid understanding of your own research and how it aligns with the work being done in the Mathematical Physics Group. Be prepared to discuss your previous work, its impact, and how it fits into the broader context of the group's research.

✨Engage with Your Mentor

Before the interview, have a good chat with your academic mentor. They can provide insights into what the selection committee might be looking for and help you refine your application. Their guidance will be invaluable in tailoring your approach.

✨Prepare Your Expression of Interest

Your EOI is crucial, so ensure it’s clear and concise. Stick to the 2-page limit and focus on the most relevant aspects of your research. Highlight your achievements and how they contribute to the field of mathematical physics.

✨Show Enthusiasm for Collaboration

The fellowship is not just about individual research; it's also about collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you plan to work with other members of the group and contribute to ongoing projects. Showing that you're a team player can set you apart from other candidates.

Ernest Rutherford Fellowship
Physics World

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