Fellowships Early Career Researchers in Sciences: Chemistry, Biology

Merton College proposes to appoint one three-year, fixed-term Early Career Researcher from 1 October 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter in the fields of Chemistry or Biology. This post is available to early career researchers and is intended to provide the opportunity for the successful applicant to establish a research profile and to help prepare the postholder for academic careers.

Early Career Researchers are expected to undertake a high-quality programme of original research in one of the subjects specified above, to publicise outcomes and to engage in the academic life of the College. They may also undertake a limited amount of teaching.

Candidates should hold a recently completed doctorate or be close to completion of a doctorate and will have submitted their thesis no later than three months before the start date of this post i.e. by 1 st July 2027. Those who formally submitted their doctoral thesis for viva voce examination before 1 October 2025 are not eligible for appointment, unless they can show that they have not accumulated two years' full-time study or research (excluding professional training) before their appointment-date.

Candidates must also have research expertise in their chosen field commensurate with the candidate's career as demonstrated by a recently completed (or close to being completed) doctoral thesis, published or forthcoming books or articles in refereed journals (as relevant to the candidate's field), or evidence of such future achievement.

A coherent plan for the duration of the appointment of research expected to make a valuable contribution to the candidate's field is required, as well as evidence of active participation in the successful dissemination of research findings.

The deadline for candidates to submit any queries in relation to these Further Particulars is 9.00am UK time on Friday 9 th October 2026. Any enquiries should be directed in the first instance to the HR team at

The closing date for applications is 9.00am UK time on Friday 16 th October 2026.

Merton College is an equal opportunities employer. £40,514 p.a.  rate. The  rate is under review) plus allowances.