Postdoctoral Fellowship in the UK 2027 with Research Funding of Up to £703,800

The University of Manchester invites applications for the Royal Society Career Development Fellowship in Science and Engineering, a four-year, full-time postdoctoral research fellowship for early-career STEM researchers from underrepresented backgrounds. The fellowship is hosted in the UK, and the current pilot call is for researchers from Black heritage backgrounds; applications are due by 18 November 2026.

The fellowship combines research funding with career development support to help researchers establish independent and sustainable academic careers. Applicants can also explore other fellowships and research opportunities or browse opportunities for young people.

About the Royal Society Career Development Fellowship

The fellowship provides four years of funding for postdoctoral research at The University of Manchester. Fellows are expected to conduct high-quality, independent research and develop a strong research profile, leadership capability and prospects for a long-term academic career in the UK. The scheme is funded by the Royal Society and is currently being offered as a pilot. If the pilot is successful, future rounds may be broadened to include researchers from other underrepresented groups.

Alongside research funding, the fellowship includes a comprehensive programme of mentoring, training and networking. Fellows receive time and support to establish an independent research profile, access to facilities and interdisciplinary research communities, and guidance from senior academics. The university also provides support related to future funding and career progression, as well as professional development tailored to researchers' needs.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact a relevant department well before the funder's deadline. Early discussions can help identify a potential academic sponsor, establish whether the research vision fits the university's strengths and clarify internal requirements. Some departments or institutes may have additional processes, including an Expression of Interest or internal selection before submission. Applicants should discuss their proposed research project and its alignment with departmental priorities, and be ready to share a CV and a brief outline of the proposed fellowship project.

After internal approval, applicants prepare and submit their applications to the Royal Society through its Flexi-Grant application and grant management system. A typical submission includes a detailed research proposal, CV and track record, host support statements and any further documentation required by the scheme. Manchester's internal review may require materials several weeks before the funder's deadline. The Royal Society then assesses applications through peer review and its panels, and makes the final funding decisions. Successful candidates agree their start dates with the host institution.

Who Should Apply

This fellowship is intended for outstanding early-career researchers working in science, technology, engineering or mathematics who want to build a long-term academic research career in the UK. The current pilot call focuses on applicants from Black heritage backgrounds. Applicants should be able to develop a research proposal that aligns with the relevant department's priorities and should check the Royal Society's full eligibility guidance for the call, as criteria may change.

Key Highlights

• Four-year, full-time postdoctoral research fellowship.
• Hosted at The University of Manchester in the United Kingdom.
• Funding for independent research, with mentoring, training and networking.
• Current pilot focus: early-career researchers from Black heritage backgrounds in STEM.
• Application deadline: 18 November 2026.
• Applications are submitted through the Royal Society's Flexi-Grant system after required internal approval.