What is the EPSRC Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowship?
The EPSRC Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowship is a personal, career development–focused award for talented early-career researchers.
The fellowship enables researchers to pursue independent research, develop leadership skills and strengthen their academic profile within the mathematical sciences. It supports high-quality research where the majority of novelty lies within mathematical sciences.
Funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the fellowship offers flexible full-time or part-time support for up to three years.
At The University of Manchester, fellows join a vibrant mathematical sciences community and benefit from academic mentoring, professional development and access to world-leading facilities and expertise.
Key information
Status: Applications are open on a rolling basis.
Next deadline: No closing date, applications can be submitted at any time. Internal deadlines may apply, please check with the department.
Eligibility:
- Hold a PhD or have at least four years’ experience in a relevant field
- Early career researchers seeking to develop independence
- Research must focus on mathematical sciences, with the majority of novelty within the discipline
- Have not held a significant grant.
Funding:
- Up to three years of support
- Full-time or part-time options available.
Before you apply: To help you develop a competitive proposal, we encourage prospective applicants to contact us well ahead of submission. Early conversations can:
- Identify potential academic sponsors
- Ensure your research vision aligns with Manchester’s strengths.
Benefits of the EPSRC Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowship
EPSRC Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Fellows receive flexible support to develop an independent research profile and build leadership skills early in their academic careers.
At Manchester, we support researchers at all career stages and are committed to inclusive research cultures and flexible working arrangements.
As a Fellow at Manchester, you’ll benefit from:
- A strong and collaborative mathematical sciences research environment
- Opportunities to develop research independence and academic leadership
- Academic mentoring and support with future funding applications
- Access to training, professional development and leadership opportunities.
Application process
Confirm that you meet the fellowship’s eligibility criteria before preparing an application.
To apply, you must:
- Hold a PhD or have at least four years’ experience in a relevant field
- Be an early career researcher seeking to develop independence
- Propose research where the majority of novelty lies within mathematical sciences.
Both full-time and part-time applications are supported.
You must contact a department well in advance of submission to confirm support and discuss your proposal.
Some departments may operate internal processes or provide tailored support for fellowship applicants.
Contact:
- For advice on departmental fit and internal processes, contact a potential supervisor in the first instance by searching Research Explorer.
If, after carefully reviewing Research Explorer, you are unable to identify a suitable supervisor whose expertise aligns with your proposal, you may contact the Department\’s Head of Research for further guidance. - For all other queries, including application development support, please contact the FSE Research Development and Innovation team.
As part of this initial engagement, you should be prepared to discuss:
- Your proposed fellowship project
- Its alignment with departmental priorities.
You may be asked to provide:
- A CV
- A brief outline of your proposed research.
Early engagement helps to confirm departmental fit, identify appropriate sponsors and allow time for any required internal review.
Once departmental support is confirmed, you can prepare your application for submission.
Applications must be submitted via the UKRI Funding Service. Full scheme details are available from EPSRC.
A typical application includes:
- A detailed research proposal
- Justification of resources
- CV and track record
- Host organisation statement.
Please note that Manchester’s internal review process may require materials several weeks before submission.
After submission, your application will be assessed by EPSRC.
This typically includes:
- External peer review
- Panel assessment
Final funding decisions are made by the funder. Successful candidates will then agree start dates and arrangements with their host department.
Frequently asked questions
Search Research Explorer to identify a potential supervisor whose expertise aligns with your proposed project, then contact them directly to discuss your application.
Prospective applicants receive support identifying an academic sponsor, refining their research proposal and navigating internal review. You’ll also have access to guidance on developing a competitive fellowship application, feedback from senior academics, and information about facilities and research groups you can incorporate into your proposal.
Eligibility criteria vary between funding schemes. Most require a strong academic track record commensurate to your career stage and circumstances. Check the scheme's criteria.
Further questions? Get in touch
Fellowship scheme questions
- For questions about eligibility, funding rules or EPSRC processes, contact the EPSRC Mathematical Sciences team.
Manchester-specific queries
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Departmental fit and internal processes
- For advice on departmental fit and internal requirements, contact a potential supervisor in the first instance by searching Research Explorer. If, after carefully reviewing Research Explorer, you are unable to identify a suitable supervisor whose expertise aligns with your proposal, you may contact the Department’s Head of Research for further guidance.
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Application development and other Faculty queries
- For all other queries, including application development support, please contact the FSE Research Development and Innovation team.