EPSRC: Stephen Hawking Postdoctoral Fellowships

02/02/2023

30/03/2023

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the Science and Technology Facilities Council invite applications for the Stephen Hawking Postdoctoral fellowships. These support research focusing on a range of disciplines in the area of theoretical physics with the aim of reflecting Stephen Hawking’s work in bringing science into popular culture. The total budget is £5.8 million. There is no limit on how much funding can be requested. EPSRC and STFC cover 80% of the full economic costs. The applocant’s research organisation must fund the remaining 20%. The fellowship can be up to 3 years long. This is prorated for part-time fellows, at a minimum of 50% full time equivalent.

Areas included in the opportunity are cosmology, general relativity, quantum gravity, classical gravity, string theory, statistical physics, nuclear physics, particle physics, particle astrophysics, theoretical astronomy, theoretical plasma physics, solar or planetary physics, mathematical physics, condensed matter physics, theoretical quantum optics and information, quantum fluids and solids, and cold atoms and molecules.

Applicants must have a PhD or have worked in a relevant field for at least 4 years by the start date of the fellowship. Candidates who are or have been registered for a doctorate at any time may apply only if they are expecting to have completed their doctoral thesis examination by the date of the Hawking Fellowship interview. Candidates must have passed their viva voce examination by the time of commencing the Hawking Fellowship and therefore considered to hold a PhD. There are no eligibility rules about how many years of postdoctoral experience applicants need or whether they are currently in a permanent academic position. This is a postdoctoral level fellowship for applicants who have not already secured significant independent funding or led the development of technical skills. There are no restrictions on nationality. Research grants are open to UK higher education institutions, research council institutes, UKRI-approved independent research organisations, public sector research establishments and NHS bodies with research capacity.