12 Research Fellowships in Sciences – University of Oxford

Contexte

Wolfson College at the University of Oxford is inviting applications for up to 12 Non-stipendiary Research and Junior Research Fellowships in Sciences for 2027. This highly competitive opportunity is designed to support researchers at different stages of their postdoctoral careers who are undertaking research within the University of Oxford. Open across subjects within the Medical Sciences Division and Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS), the Fellowships offer eligible researchers the opportunity to become part of Wolfson College’s academic community for an initial period of three years.

Candidates must hold a doctorate and must also have a full-time University of Oxford contract of employment for the duration of the Fellowship or hold full-time external research funding with formal contractual support from a University of Oxford Department or Faculty. For scientists looking to strengthen their academic profile, engage with an interdisciplinary college community and access College benefits while continuing their research, this could be an important opportunity.

Fellowship at a Glance

• Host Institution: Wolfson College, University of Oxford
• Fellowship: Non-stipendiary Research and Junior Research Fellowships in Sciences
• Number of Positions: Up to 12
• Academic Areas: Medical Sciences and Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences
• Start Date: From 1 January 2027
• Initial Tenure: Three years
• Funding: Non-stipendiary
• Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
• Application Deadline: 25 October 2026 at 5:00 pm
• Shortlisting Date: 3 November 2026
• Interview Date: 17 November 2026

An Opportunity for Early-Career Researchers at Oxford

The Fellowships are intended to support scientists whose academic careers are at different stages of development. Wolfson College proposes to elect both Junior Research Fellows and Research Fellows, depending on the experience and career stage of successful candidates. The opportunity is specifically designed to support early-career researchers and is not intended for academics on sabbatical or those who already hold Professorships.

Successful candidates will be expected to remain actively engaged in research throughout the Fellowship period. They must hold either a full-time contract of employment with the University of Oxford for the duration of the Fellowship or have full-time external funding for research supported formally through a University of Oxford Department or Faculty. For candidates in clinical posts, Wolfson College welcomes arrangements involving a 50% University of Oxford contract alongside a 50% NHS contract. Applicants with caring responsibilities or disabilities who choose to work less than full-time are also encouraged to apply. Fellows will generally be required to spend the greater part of the academic year in Oxford.

Profil recherché

• Junior Research Fellowships: Aimed at researchers with limited research experience who have recently completed, or are shortly due to complete, their doctorate (in most cases, received less than five years before 1 January 2027).
• Research Fellowships: Intended for scholars whose careers are progressing towards becoming established researchers in their academic fields (generally received their doctorate more than five years and less than 10 years before 1 January 2027).
• Candidates must hold a doctorate.
• Must hold a full-time University of Oxford contract of employment for the duration of the Fellowship or hold full-time external research funding with formal contractual support from a University of Oxford Department or Faculty.
• Applications are encouraged from researchers holding Research Council or charity fellowships (e.g., Royal Society University Research Fellowships, EPSRC Career Fellowships, Wellcome Trust or CRUK Career Development Fellowships).
• Wolfson College particularly welcomes applications from women and Black and minority ethnic candidates.
• Preference will generally be given to candidates who have not previously held a Fellowship at the same level with another College.
• Successful applicants must meet applicable UK Right to Work requirements.

Conditions et avantages

• Although the Fellowships are non-stipendiary, successful candidates will receive access to Wolfson College membership benefits.
• All Fellows receive Common Table rights, currently valued at up to £61.60 per week for their own meals in Hall, together with other College benefits.
• Research and Junior Research Fellows can participate actively in College life, sit on nearly all College committees and may be elected as representative members of the Governing Body.
• Research Fellows may additionally be asked to serve as College Advisors to graduate students.
• Initial tenure of three years, with potential renewal opportunities for a further four years (subject to satisfactory research progress, adequate financial support, and good standing).

Dossier de candidature

• Completed application form (must not exceed two pages, font no smaller than Arial 11).
• Curriculum Vitae (must not exceed two pages, font no smaller than Arial 11).
• Both documents must be combined into one PDF file before submission.
• Optional Recruitment Monitoring Form (to be sent separately).
• Confidential references (only requested after the shortlisting stage from candidates selected for interview; 2 referees required).

Comment postuler

Interested candidates should download and carefully review the official Non-Stipendiary Research Fellowships in Sciences 2027 application pack before applying. Cover letters will not be considered as part of the application.

The combined application form and CV should be sent by email to the President’s Office at [email protected] before the deadline.

Applicants who wish to complete the optional Recruitment Monitoring Form should send it separately to [email protected].

• Application Deadline : Sunday, 25 October 2026 at 5:00 pm
• Shortlisting : Tuesday, 3 November 2026
• Interviews : Tuesday, 17 November 2026 (No alternative interview date will be offered)
• Fellowships Begin : From 1 January 2027
• Reference : Non-Stipendiary Research Fellowships in Sciences 2027