Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Research Fellowship School of Natural Science

DAME KATHLEEN OLLERENSHAW UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

BACKGROUND

The Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Manchester has been investing in Early Career Researchers for many years, increasing the diversity of our staff. These represent a strategic investment in outstanding researchers who will shape our future research portfolio. In 2026, we plan to appoint Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw University Research Fellowships in the School of Natural Sciences. These fellowships are fixed term for 5 years and are an excellent stepping-stone to establishing an independent research career and gaining a full-time permanent academic position. We are looking for outstanding candidates who have the ability to undertake world leading in some of the following areas:

• Atmospheric and climate science
• Bio-physics
• Chemometrics and AI
• Digitally-Driven Garment Manufacture and Innovation
• Fashion Business Technology
• Functional Materials
• Fundamental Mathematics Research
• Mathematical Foundations of AI and Data Science,
• Mathematics with Industrial Applications
• Quantum

Sustainable catalysis for future synthesis

The University actively fosters a culture of inclusion and diversity and seeks to achieve true equality of opportunity for all members of its community. The Faculty is committed to having a representative workforce. Across the Schools we hold Bronze and Silver Athena SWAN Awards, which recognise our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and particularly the advancement of women’s education and careers in STEM.

The University also holds a Bronze Race Charter Mark recognising our commitment to improving the representation, progression and success of minority ethnic staff and students within higher education. In addition, we are a Disability Confident Employer, guaranteeing an interview for any disabled applicant who meets the minimum requirements for a job.

As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups in academia. All appointments are made on merit. Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here.

The University of Manchester

The University of Manchester (www.manchester.ac.uk) enjoys a global reputation for its research and its innovative approach to learning, with an on-going £1 billion investment in facilities, staff and buildings. This builds on our tradition of success that stretches back 200 years. The birth of the modern computer, the splitting of the atom, the founding principles of modern economics, the discovery of graphene, and the birthplace of engineering – these and many more world changing innovations have their roots at our University. We are at the forefront of the search for solutions to some of the world's most pressing problems, boasting strong collaborative links with industry and public services. In 2025, the university was second in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings table of more than 2,500 universities globally for our impact in addressing the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Fellowships are fully aligned with the recently launched Manchester 2035 strategy and our EDIA goals incorporating Our People, Our Values, Our Future.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Key contacts and information about the Faculty, Schools, Departments and Institutes can be found on our website (https://www.se.manchester.ac.uk/) and queries may be emailed to DKOFellows@manchester.ac.uk.

Applications should be submitted via the application form on Jobtrain together with the following supporting documents noting the maximum page numbers for each document:

• Curriculum Vitae (2 pages)
• Please also upload your Research Proposal (2 pages), Academic Impact Statement (1 page) and Statement of Strategic Fit (1 page). These three documents must be combined into a single pdf (4 pages in total)
  
  
  

Please ensure you indicate which Department you are applying to Deadline for applications: 23.59 (UK time) Monday 30 March 2026.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted by a panel, independently chaired by a Head of School. A shortlist of candidates will be drawn and presented to the Faculty. An interview panel chaired by the Vice President and Dean of the Faculty will carry out the final interview.

Applications are particularly welcomed from women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic applicants who are currently under-represented at this level. Appointments will be made on merit. We will also support requests to hold the award part-time over a proportionately longer period. Research excellence is the main criterion on which these University Research Fellowships are awarded. However, career breaks as well as unconventional research career paths will be taken into account. Evaluations will be monitored to identify potential biases, e.g. in terms of gender and race, to guarantee transparency, fairness and impartiality in the treatment of proposals.

Full details relating to eligibility; appointment details/conditions; and application procedure are outlined in the Guidance Notes that accompany this scheme.

Additional paid closure over the Christmas period

Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to people.talent@manchester.ac.uk

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Email: DKOFellows@manchester.ac.uk.

General enquiries:

Email: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.