Description Grade UE08: £50,253 - £61,759 per annum College of Science & Engineering, School of Physics and Astronomy Full-time: 35 hours per week Fixed term: 48 month (or longer pro-rata to part-time FTE) The Opportunity: The School of Physics and Astronomy is pleased to invite applications for the 2026 Elizabeth Gardner Fellowship. This four-year Fellowship specifically supports early-career, postdoctoral researchers from backgrounds that are under-represented in the School’s academic community (e.g. gender, minority ethnicity, disability, disadvantaged circumstances, etc.). We are looking for an early-career postdoctoral researcher who is ready to develop their own, independent research in a supportive environment under the guidance of a mentor. Elizabeth Gardner Fellowships honour the outstanding achievements of Dr Elizabeth Gardner (1957 - 1988). Dr Gardner studied Mathematical Physics at the University of Edinburgh, graduating with first class honours, and was awarded the Tait Medal, Robert Schlapp Prize, and the Class medal. After studying for a PhD at the University of Oxford, she later returned to the School of Physics and Astronomy in 1984 as a Research Fellow. Her works on the optimal storage of neural networks have been selected as two of the most influential papers in the 50th anniversary of Journal of Physics A. The Fellowship aims to provide a supportive and collegial environment for early-career researchers to develop their research and submit proposals to secure external research funding (e.g. a 5-year Research Fellowship, such as a Royal Society University Research Fellowship; an Ernest Rutherford Fellowship; or a European Research Council fellowship) and, where appropriate, other external research resources such as telescope/facility time. The post is available either on a full-time or part-time basis and we are open to considering flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working. Your skills and attributes for success: Educated to PhD level in an appropriate subject Postdoctoral experience within a research environment A track record of high-quality research outputs Ability to lead and/or take responsibility for independent research; developing research objectives, projects and proposals for individual and collaborative research Interest in an area of research of strategic priority to the School Click to view a copy of the full job description How to Apply: All applicants should apply online submitting an up-to-date CV as well as the information listed below. The application process is quick and easy to follow, and you will receive email confirmation of safe receipt of your application. The online system allows you to submit a CV and other attachments (please note, no cover letter is needed and you can ignore the option to upload one). Detailed CV including the names and contact details of three referees. 2-page outline of a proposed research programme (font size at least 11pt). An outline on no more than one page of your career trajectory and any external factors that have affected your ability to work during this time. Also include a brief statement with regards to the under-represented groups you identify with and identify the Institute (ICMCS, IPNP or IfA) within the School you wish to be associated with. Applications from national, international and internal applicants are all encouraged and we welcome informal queries regarding any aspect of the Elizabeth Gardner Fellowship. These should be directed to the Director of EDI, Dr. Yanyan Gao ( yanyan.gao@ed.ac.uk ), or the Director of Research Prof. Sadegh Khochfar ( sadeghk@roe.ac.uk ). As a valued member of our team, you can expect: A competitive salary. An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work. To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community. Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page and use our reward calculator to discover the value of your pay and benefits. Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality. Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant. Key dates to note The closing date for applications is 20 April 2026. Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone. Interview dates to be confirmed.