Independent Research Fellowships in Physics and Astronomy

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The University of Sheffield's Department of Physics and Astronomy is seeking applicants for long- and short-term research fellowships available in the UK (funded by UKRI, STFC or Royal Society).

Applicants working in any of the major research areas of the department (astrophysics, inorganic semiconductors, materials and biological physics, particle physics and particle astrophysics) are encouraged to apply. For 2023/24, we are particularly encouraging applicants or holders of long-term fellowships in the following priority areas:

  • Quantum optics
  • Quantum materials
  • Biological physics
  • Neutrino physics

Our policy is that all holders of five-year fellowships will be offered a permanent academic position, subject to performance. We encourage applications from early career researchers both seeking long- and short-term fellowships (see the list of suitable fellowships funded by the UK funding councils below).

Students in a 2D materials laboratory

Keywords for fellowship research areas

Nanophotonics, semiconductors, quantum technologies, quantum optics, quantum materials, 2D materials, polaritons, strong light-matter interaction, polymer physics, soft matter, solar energy, electricity systems, solar photovoltaics, perovskites, microcavities, solar cells, optical quantum information theory, entanglement distribution, quantum imaging and metrology, physics of sustainability, astronomical instrumentation, binary stars, pulsars, white dwarfs, high-speed astronomy, eclipsing binaries and many more.

Application process

Potential applicants should contact Professor Alexander Tartakovskii for guidance through the selection and fellowship application process, supported by mentors in our department.

We are committed to supporting researchers from diverse backgrounds with clear fellowship plans at every step of their application and beyond. You can find out more about the support for fellowship applications in Science at Sheffield on the Faculty of Science website.

Independent Research Fellowships in Science at Sheffield

The Department of Physics and Astronomy

We are an internationally leading department excelling in several vibrant research fields. We have come first in the UK in the nationwide assessment under Research Excellence Framework 2021 in terms of the quality of our research – 100% of research and impact from our department was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.

We provide state-of-the-art research facilities, a highly collegiate environment, and a programme of support for fellowship holders enabling them to develop their career and to become research leaders.

Research in Physics and Astronomy

Fellowship opportunities in the UK (from three to eight years)

The following UK-funded fellowship opportunities exist to support researchers in the research areas listed above:

Long-term fellowships leading to an academic post at the department:

Short term postdoctoral fellowships, providing research career boost and enhancing chances for successful applications for longer-term fellowships and permanent academic positions.  

Related information

REF 2021 illustration showing University building and subject areas

Research Excellence Framework 2021

We have been rated 1st in the UK in terms of the quality of our research. In the latest REF, 100 per cent of research and impact from our department has been classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.