Wolfson College at the University of Oxford is inviting applications for up to 12 Non-stipendiary Research and Junior Research Fellowships in Sciences for 2027. highly competitive opportunity is designed to support researchers at different stages of their postdoctoral careers who are undertaking research within the University of Oxford. Open across subjects within the Medical Sciences Division and Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS), the Fellowships offer eligible researchers the opportunity to become part of Wolfson College’s academic community for an initial period of three years. Candidates must hold a doctorate and must also have a full-time University of Oxford contract of employment for the duration of the Fellowship or hold full-time external research funding with formal contractual support from a University of Oxford Department or Faculty. For scientists looking to strengthen their academic profile, engage with an interdisciplinary college community and access College benefits while continuing their research, this could be an important opportunity. Fellowship at a Glance Host Institution: Wolfson College, University of Oxford Fellowship: Non-stipendiary Research and Junior Research Fellowships in Sciences Number of Positions: Up to 12 Academic Areas: Medical Sciences and Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Start Date: From 1 January 2027 Initial Tenure: Three years Funding: Non-stipendiary Location: Oxford, United Kingdom Application Deadline: 25 October 2026 at 5:00 pm Shortlisting Date: 3 November 2026 Interview Date: 17 November 2026 An Opportunity for Early-Career Researchers at Oxford The Fellowships are intended to support scientists whose academic careers are at different stages of development. Wolfson College proposes to elect both Junior Research Fellows and Research Fellows, depending on the experience and career stage of successful candidates. The opportunity is specifically designed to support early-career researchers and is not intended for academics on sabbatical or those who already hold Professorships. Successful candidates will be expected to remain actively engaged in research throughout the Fellowship period. They must hold either a full-time contract of employment with the University of Oxford for the duration of the Fellowship or have full-time external funding for research supported formally through a University of Oxford Department or Faculty. For candidates in clinical posts, Wolfson College welcomes arrangements involving a 50% University of Oxford contract alongside a 50% NHS contract. Applicants with caring responsibilities or disabilities who choose to work less than full-time are also encouraged to apply. Fellows will generally be required to spend the greater part of the academic year in Oxford. Who Can Apply for a Junior Research Fellowship? Junior Research Fellowships are aimed at researchers with limited research experience who have recently completed, or are shortly due to complete, their doctorate. Candidates should already hold, or be close to completing, a doctoral qualification. However, the Fellowships are not intended for applicants at an early stage of their doctoral studies. In most cases, candidates who received their doctorate less than five years before 1 January 2027 will be eligible for consideration as Junior Research Fellows. The College recognises that academic careers may be interrupted by circumstances such as childbirth, family commitments, illness or compulsory military service. Where relevant, candidates whose postdoctoral careers have been interrupted may explain why an exception to the normal five-year period should be considered as part of their application. Applications are encouraged from researchers holding Research Council or charity fellowships, including Royal Society University Research Fellowships, EPSRC Career Fellowships and relevant Wellcome Trust or CRUK Career Development Fellowships. Who Can Apply for a Research Fellowship? Research Fellowships are intended for scholars whose careers are progressing towards becoming established researchers in their academic fields. In general, candidates should have received their doctorate more than five years and, except in exceptional circumstances, less than 10 years before 1 January 2027. Applicants with career interruptions resulting from circumstances such as childbirth, family responsibilities, illness or compulsory military service may request consideration of an exception. The College notes that candidates with fewer than five years of postdoctoral experience are discouraged from applying for a Research Fellowship because they may not yet have acquired sufficient experience and seniority. Such applicants may find the Junior Research Fellowship more appropriate. Research Fellowships are also not suitable for academics taking sabbatical leave from an academic post. As with the Junior Research Fellowship, applications are encouraged from researchers holding relevant Research Council or charity fellowships. What Benefits Do the Fellowships Offer? Although the Fellowships are non-stipendiary, successful candidates will receive access to Wolfson College membership benefits. All Fellows receive Common Table rights, currently valued at up to £61.60 per week for their own meals in Hall, together with other College benefits. Research and Junior Research Fellows can also participate actively in College life. While they are not automatically members of the College’s Governing Body, they may sit on nearly all College committees and may be elected as representative members of the Governing Body. Research Fellows may additionally be asked to serve as College Advisors to graduate students. The opportunity may therefore provide researchers with valuable opportunities for academic engagement, interdisciplinary networking and participation in the wider Oxford college community. Understanding the Funding Requirement Applicants should note that these Fellowships do not provide a salary or stipend. Candidates must demonstrate financial independence and provide evidence of how their research and employment will be financially supported. Where an applicant has applied for funding but the funding has not yet been confirmed, any Fellowship offer will be conditional on the applicant providing proof of funding before the Fellowship begins. Successful candidates will also be required to provide Wolfson College with a copy of their University of Oxford contract before starting the Fellowship. Applicants should therefore carefully assess the funding and employment requirements before applying. Fellowship Duration and Renewal Opportunities Junior Research Fellows will initially be elected for three years. Subject to approval, they may apply for renewal or election as a Research Fellow for a further period of four years. Research Fellows will also initially be elected for three years and may apply for renewal for a final four-year period. Renewal is not automatic. Decisions will be considered by the Governing Body based on satisfactory research progress, evidence of adequate financial support for the proposed further term and good standing within the College. This structure can provide successful Fellows with an opportunity for longer-term engagement with Wolfson College, subject to meeting the relevant requirements. How to Apply Applicants must submit a completed application form and curriculum vitae. Both documents must be combined into one PDF file before submission. The application form must not exceed two pages, while the CV must also not exceed two pages. Applicants should use a font no smaller than Arial 11. Cover letters will not be considered as part of the application. The combined application form and CV should be sent by email to the President’s Office at presidents.office@wolfson.ox.ac.uk before the deadline. Applicants who wish to complete the optional Recruitment Monitoring Form should send it separately to human.resources@wolfson.ox.ac.uk. The monitoring form does not form part of the application assessment. References will only be requested after the shortlisting stage from candidates selected for interview. Shortlisted candidates will be responsible for contacting their two referees and asking them to submit confidential references to the President’s Office before the interview date. Important Dates Interested candidates should take note of the following schedule: Application Deadline: Sunday, 25 October 2026 at 5:00 pm Shortlisting: Tuesday, 3 November 2026 Interviews: Tuesday, 17 November 2026 Fellowships Begin: From 1 January 2027 The College states that no alternative interview date will be offered, making it important for shortlisted applicants to ensure they are available on the scheduled date. Diversity and Inclusion Wolfson College particularly welcomes applications from women and Black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in academic posts in Oxford. Preference will generally be given to candidates who have not previously held a Fellowship at the same level with another College. Successful applicants must also meet applicable UK Right to Work requirements. The College notes that satisfactory evidence of the right to work in the United Kingdom is required for unpaid as well as paid positions. APPLY HERE Interested candidates should download and carefully review the official Non-Stipendiary Research Fellowships in Sciences 2027 application pack before applying. Applicants should ensure that they meet the doctoral, career-stage, research engagement and financial support requirements before preparing their application. Applications must be submitted as one combined PDF containing the application form and CV to presidents.office@wolfson.ox.ac.uk by 25 October 2026 at 5:00 pm. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organisation offering this opportunity and does not process applications. This information is shared for informational purposes based on the official announcement. Applicants are strongly encouraged to verify all eligibility requirements, application procedures, funding arrangements and deadlines directly with Wolfson College and the University of Oxford before applying. JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW