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- Tasks: Conduct independent research and develop a proposal in STEM fields.
- Company: The Open University is the UK's largest university, renowned for flexible education and research excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid working model, professional development opportunities, and a supportive research environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your research career with a prestigious fellowship and make a real impact in your field.
- Qualifications: Must have recently completed a PhD funded by EPSRC and propose innovative research.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements are available; early applications are encouraged.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellowship (Research Associate)
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EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellowship (Research Associate)
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Join to apply for the EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellowship (Research Associate) role at The Open University
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EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellowship (Research Associate)
Advert Reference Number: 784
Job Location: Milton Keynes, Remote/Hybrid
Department: Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Closing Date: 11 August 2025
Weekly Working Hours: 37
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
Fixed Term Contract: End Date: 12 months from start date
About the Role
The Open University is the UK’s largest university and is a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education.
The Fellowship Scheme
The ESPRC Doctoral Prize Fellowship is a prestigious scheme aimed at the best recent PhD students whose PhD studies were funded in part or entirely by the EPSRC. It allows students to launch their research career by providing salary funding for 12 months beyond the point of PhD submission.
The Role
The Doctoral Prize fellowship is an opportunity for the candidate to start their career as an independent researcher, hence applications from outside the Open University are encouraged. Doctoral Prize fellows are invited to submit their own research proposal within the remit of the EPSRC, and more specifically in one the following areas: Physics, General Engineering, Mathematical Sciences and IT, Systems Sciences and Software Engineering.
A Proposal Form should be completed (see below). The proposal will need to include an element of new research, though this can build on the candidate\’s PhD research. Apart from a description of the proposed research, the proposal will also include a statement of planned outputs and impact activities.
The University will provide the Research Associate with an excellent research and training environment, including a development programme for early career researchers. The Research Associate will have a mentor who they need to identify prior to making an application to the Fellowship scheme.
About the Unit
The Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is comprised:
- School of Computing & Communications
- School of Environment, Earth & Ecosystem Sciences
- School of Engineering & Innovation
- School of Life, Health & Chemical Sciences
- School of Mathematics & Statistics
- School of Physical Sciences
The Faculty of STEM consists of 2500 staff including 1,800 Associate Lecturers. The Faculty delivers over 185 modules across undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum, supporting nearly 19,000 students (full time equivalents) which is 29% of the OU total.
The Faculty generates more research income (circa £17M) than any other Faculty in the University, supported by a comprehensive laboratory infrastructure.
We are proud of our distinctive values and capabilities underpinning our aspiration.
Key Responsibilities
General Responsibilities:
Functioning independently, but with the support of their mentor, the Doctoral Prize Researcher (DPR) will:
- carry out the research and other activities set out in their research proposal.
Specific Role Responsibilities:
- engage with professional development opportunities when needed or desired.
Skills and Experience
- must have recently received support for their doctoral studies from EPSRC in the form of fees and/or stipend (i.e., at time of the deadline for applications for this position, support from EPSRC should have been received no longer than one year ago). They must quote the grant reference number in their application to confirm eligibility.
- must have submitted their PhD thesis when submitting their application. Note that any offers are conditional on successful completion of the PhD or an examiners’ recommendation of at least a pass with minor corrections.
- propose a project within the remit of the EPSRC, specifically in at least one of the following areas: Physics, General Engineering, Mathematical Sciences and IT, Systems Sciences and Software Engineering.
- identify a suitable Open University project mentor who should not be applicant’s PhD supervisor. Applicants can contact stem-research-student-support@open.ac.uk for advice on identifying a mentor or, if they already have an Open University staff contact, approach them directly.
- submit a research proposal of high quality that includes an element of new research, though this can build on the applicant’s PhD research. Apart from a description of the proposed research, the proposal should include a statement of planned outputs and impact activities.
- experience of planning and engaging with research impact activities.
- evidence of ambition and potential to become a leader in their field of study.
To apply for this role please submit the following:
- An up to date CV that includes details of academic qualifications and research experience.
- Completed Research Proposal Form and Mentor Support Form – upload both documents as 1 document. The Research Proposal Form can be found HERE and the Mentor Support Form can be found HERE.
You will need to have your documents ready ahead of submitting the electronic application.
Next Steps
Interview date: Likely to be week commencing 1st September.
Work location
It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where you can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office it is expected that attendance on our Milton Keynes campus will be required when necessary and in response to business needs.
We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what may work for you and the role.
Early closing date notification
We may close this job advert earlier than the published closing date where a satisfactory number of applications are received. We would therefore encourage early applications.
The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength. We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.
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EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellowship (Research Associate) employer: The Open University
Contact Detail:
The Open University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellowship (Research Associate)
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to thoroughly research the EPSRC and its funding areas. Understanding their priorities will help you tailor your research proposal to align with their goals, increasing your chances of success.
✨Tip Number 2
Identify a mentor from the Open University who is not your PhD supervisor. This relationship can provide valuable insights and guidance for your research proposal, so choose someone whose expertise complements your project.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with current or past Doctoral Prize fellows if possible. They can offer first-hand advice on the application process and what makes a successful proposal, giving you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your research impact activities during the interview. Be ready to articulate how your proposed research will contribute to the field and society, as this is a key aspect of the fellowship.
We think you need these skills to ace EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellowship (Research Associate)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Fellowship Scheme: Familiarise yourself with the EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellowship and its requirements. Make sure you understand the eligibility criteria, including the need for recent EPSRC funding and the submission of your PhD thesis.
Craft a Strong Research Proposal: Your research proposal is crucial. It should not only describe your proposed research but also include a statement of planned outputs and impact activities. Ensure that it reflects new research ideas while building on your PhD work.
Identify a Mentor: Select a suitable mentor from The Open University who is not your PhD supervisor. This is an important step, as their support will be vital for your application. If you're unsure, reach out to the provided email for guidance.
Prepare Your Application Documents: Gather all necessary documents, including your CV, completed Research Proposal Form, and Mentor Support Form. Make sure these are combined into one document before uploading, and double-check for accuracy and completeness.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Open University
✨Understand the EPSRC Remit
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the EPSRC's focus areas, especially in Physics, General Engineering, Mathematical Sciences, and IT. Tailor your research proposal to align with these themes, demonstrating how your work fits within their strategic goals.
✨Prepare Your Research Proposal
Your research proposal is crucial. Ensure it includes innovative elements that build on your PhD work. Be ready to discuss your planned outputs and impact activities, as this shows your understanding of the broader implications of your research.
✨Identify a Suitable Mentor
Before the interview, find a mentor at The Open University who is not your PhD supervisor. This shows initiative and helps you understand the support system available to you. Be prepared to discuss why you chose this mentor and how they can assist your research journey.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Potential
The selection panel will be looking for evidence of your ambition and potential to lead in your field. Share experiences where you've taken the lead on projects or initiatives, and articulate your vision for your future research career.
