Eligibility: Individual researchers, with at least 4 years of research experience or a PhD, can apply for a fellowship by outlining a programme of work they wish to perform within an STFC host department or Diamond. Fellows must meet eligibility criteria as set out within the COFUND scheme. These conditions are designed to encourage the mobility of fellows between countries.
-researchers must, at the time of their appointment to STFC or Diamond, be in possession of a doctoral degree or have at least four years full time equivalent research experience.
-researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, study, etc) in the UK for more than 12 months in the previous 3 years (not counting holidays or short stays) at the time of their appointment to STFC or Diamond.
-applicants cannot be permanent employees of STFC or Diamond.
-applications can be made by UK researchers wishing to return to the UK after having spent at least three years in another country.
Study Subject(s): Fellowships are awarded to work within Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) departments and facilities, as well as the Diamond Light Source. These facilities include the ISIS neutron and muon source, the Diamond Light Source (DLS) and the Central Laser Facility (CLF); Particle Physics, RAL Space, Scientific Computing, Accelerator and Technology Departments, as well as the UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UKATC).
Selection Criteria: In stage 1st, an eligibility check of candidates will be carried out to ensure candidates meet the EU’s requirements. If the candidate does not meet eligibility criteria their application will not progress. Any ethical issues will also be noted at this stage. For stage 2, referees will be given a template on which to write their comments and score the candidate. The template has the following areas: quality of the candidate and quality of the proposed research. Stage 3 will be an interview with three panel members. The interview will involve the candidate giving a short presentation describing themselves and their proposed research topic, and they will then be asked questions to enable them to demonstrate both their scientific knowledge and experience together with other qualities required for a Fellowship. The panel members will complete a report form on each candidate following the interview based on the following categories: relevant knowledge and experience; personal skills and qualities; communication abilities and awareness of any health and safety issues. At stage 4, the management committee will meet to review all interview report forms and will make a final selection of candidates. The management committee will have a ranked list of candidates’ scores in order to make their decision; but they will also take into account the distribution of posts across departments and gender balance in order to make a final decision. The management committee will also consider the suitability of the staff contact named by the applicant to act as supervisor to the Fellow if a Fellowship is awarded.