What is a Heilbronn Postdoctoral Research Fellowship?
The Heilbronn Postdoctoral Research Fellowship provides three years of support for outstanding early-career researchers working primarily in pure mathematics, data science and related theoretical disciplines.
The fellowship enables fellows to continue their own research programmes while contributing to collaborative research that applies advanced mathematics to problems of national importance. Fellows work as part of a supportive, team-based environment and benefit from tailored training, mentoring and professional development.
At The University of Manchester, Heilbronn Fellows join a vibrant mathematical research community with strengths across pure mathematics, statistics, data science, quantum information and mathematical physics.
Key Information
Status: Currently closed.
Next call: Expected to open in October 2026.
Research areas: Primarily pure mathematics. Areas of interest include (but are not limited to) Algebra; Algebraic Geometry; Combinatorics; Data Science; Number Theory; Probability; and Quantum Information
Fellows have previously been appointed from most areas of pure mathematics, data science and statistics, quantum information, and mathematical/theoretical physics.
Eligibility: To apply, you must:
- Be a UK resident and a UK national or dual UK national
- Be willing to apply for UK national security clearance at an appropriate level
- Hold (or be close to completing) a PhD in a relevant discipline.
Funding and duration: The fellowship is tenable for three years and offers a starting salary in the range of £46,982 to £53,753 per annum (or local equivalent), depending on previous experience. This includes an annual salary supplement of £3,500, payable once the PhD thesis has been accepted in final form. London weighting applies where appropriate.
Before you apply: We strongly encourage prospective applicants to contact us well ahead of the funder’s deadline. Early conversations can:
- Confirm eligibility and readiness for the scheme
- Identify a suitable host department and academic support
- Ensure alignment with Faculty and departmental research priorities.
Benefits of the Heilbronn Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
Heilbronn Fellows at Manchester receive three years of support to develop their research profile while contributing to collaborative, impact-driven mathematical research.
As a Fellow at Manchester, you’ll benefit from:
- A supportive, team-based research environment focused on collaboration
- The opportunity to continue independent research alongside applied mathematical work
- Access to training and development opportunities tailored to career ambitions
- Academic mentoring and professional development support
- Research travel opportunities and networking within the Heilbronn community
- Integration into Manchester’s internationally recognised mathematics and data science ecosystem.
Manchester supports researchers at all career stages and is committed to equality of opportunity, offering guidance on fellowship applications, career development and balancing research with other responsibilities.
Application process
Confirm that you meet the fellowship’s eligibility criteria before preparing an application.
You must:
- Be a UK resident and a UK or dual UK national
- Be willing to undergo national security clearance
- Have a strong research track record in a relevant mathematical discipline.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact The University of Manchester well in advance of the funder deadline.
Some departments or research groups may have additional internal processes or requirements. Early discussion helps to:
- Confirm departmental fit
- Identify relevant academic contacts
- Ensure institutional support is in place.
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 will be asked to discuss:
- Your proposed fellowship project
- Its alignment with departmental priorities.
Usually, Heilbronn applications are submitted externally via MathJobs.org.
Be prepared to share the following:
- A cover letter, indicating preferred host institutions
- A CV
- A one-page statement of proposed research
- Three letters of reference, uploaded directly by referees.
Following submission, your application will be assessed by the funder.
This typically includes:
- Applications are reviewed by the Heilbronn Institute
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview
- Final funding decisions are made by the funder.
Successful candidates will then agree start dates and contractual arrangements with their host institution.
What our fellows say
“As a Heilbronn Fellow at The University of Manchester I have been able to access the support provided by both the Heilbronn Institute and The University of Manchester. This has included research travel grants, career development events and academic mentoring. I’m really enjoying my time here working in such a friendly and collaborative environment.”
Dr Veronica Kelsey / Heilbronn Fellow in Mathematics, The University of Manchester
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Because the University must prepare a host statement and complete internal quality checks, we typically require applicants to submit draft materials several weeks before Heilbronn’s official deadline. Exact timelines vary by department, so contact your potential supervisor early to confirm dates.
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.
Search Research Explorer to identify a potential supervisor whose expertise aligns with your proposed project, then contact them directly to discuss your application.
Yes. Due to the nature of the research, fellows must be willing to apply for national security clearance.
Further questions? Contact us
Fellowship scheme questions
- For questions about eligibility or the Heilbronn programme, contact the Heilbronn Institute at himr-recruitment@bristol.ac.uk.
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.