We are enthusiastic about welcoming postdoctoral researchers to work with the ODyn group. Here, you’ll find some information about what opportunities might arise, or where you can look to secure independent funding. This information is relevant both to researchers keen to move here for the first time, as well as for existing postdocs that are keen to extend their time.
In all cases, it is helpful to reach out to Graeme or another member of the group to discuss potential opportunities. If you can, please include a CV and a brief description of (a) why the research at ODyn interests you and (b) what topics, ideas, or projects you are hoping to work on.
Funded projects¶
A common avenue for joining us here as a postdoctoral research associate (PDRA) is through existing project funding that has been secured by the group. This would usually be attached to a wider research project funded through a research council (e.g. UKRI, NERC) or a foundation. These positions may come with quite specific project ideas or directions, though like all research in the ODyn group, there is plenty room for independence and curiosity. Positions such as this tend to come about every year or so, as long as the group is succeeding with their grant applications! They will be advertised widely through social media and mailing lists (e.g. cryolist, met-jobs, es-jobs), as well as on the ODyn website.
Independent postdoctoral fellowships¶
In the UK, there are a few avenues to apply for independent postdoctoral fellowships. These usually involve providing an outline for a specific research project idea that you hope to pursue. We will gladly support strong candidates with their applications, and can help with refining project ideas and research plans.
Postdoctoral fellowship opportunities¶
This is a (non-exhaustive) list of fellowships that you may consider applying to. Some are only applicable for people who would be moving to St Andrews/the UK to take up the position (or have only recently arrived), whereas others are available to anyone, including those already here. Most fellowships also have restrictions about how many years you have been working post-PhD (standard is 5 to 8 years, allowing for career breaks). If you know of other opportunities, please let us know and we will update the list.
Newton International Fellowships. These are 2 year fellowships that are only available to non-UK citizens who would be moving to St Andrews to take up the position.
Marie Skłodowska-Curie postdoctoral fellowships. The European Postdoctoral Fellowship lasts 1 to 2 years and require that you move to St Andrews from another country within Europe to take up the fellowship, or that you have been in St Andrews for less than a year when applying for the fellowship. The Global Postdoctoral Fellowship lasts 2 to 3 years and require that you first spend 1 to 2 years away from Europe before returning to St Andrews for 1 further year (so it’s like an erasmus programme that starts with the time abroad).
Leverhulme Early Career Fellowships. These are up to 3 year positions. Anyone who has a degree from a UK institution can apply, whether or not they are already in the UK at the time of applying. However, those without a UK degree need to have held an academic position (e.g. a postdoc position) in the UK for more than 4 months at the application closing date. Note also that applications for a Leverhulme position are “demand-managed” by the University, and only one application from each School can be put forward for consideration - please reach out to ODyn early if this is an option that interests you.
Royal Commission for the Exhibition 1851. Typically 3 years long, and open for anyone to apply (but note that you must generally be within 3 years of receiving your PhD).
Longer term fellowships¶
A number of opportunities exist that can be considered as being somewhere between a postdoctoral position and a faculty position. They are typically longer (5 to 7 years) and tend to focus on a particular programme of work or broad research idea.
Royal Society Career Development Fellowship 4-year awards designed for the retention in STEM of people from historically under-represented backgrounds.
Royal Society University Research Fellowship
Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship For researchers who require flexibility in their work patterns, e.g. part time work.
UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship
NERC Independent Research Fellowship Note that NERC-based fellowships are undergoing some changes as they increasingly align with UKRI fellowships.
Daphne Jackson Trust Fellowship Specifically for people who have had a career break for 2 or more years, for example for caring duties.
Steps in applying for an independent fellowship with ODyn¶
In applying for an independent postdoctoral fellowship, here are the steps that we recommend you take:
Reach out to Graeme or another member of the group. Include some information on your background, which fellowship you’re interested in, and what you’re interested in researching (this doesn’t need to be a detailed proposal, just a rough idea is fine).
If we think your research would fit well in ODyn, and that you would have a decent chance of getting one of these competitive fellowships, we would invite you for a short discussion online. There, we would chat about your research ideas and interests, and help refine your ideas.
Follow the application guidelines for the fellowship. Members of the ODyn group, and St Andrews more broadly, will provide plenty support for your application, including feedback on written materials, and interview practice if appropriate. Note that you would be responsible for organising all relevant materials, including being clear about what you need from St Andrews (e.g. letters of support, budget information, external references, etc.).