Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw (DKO) Fellowship (University of Manchester at Harwell) (2 Posts Available)

Background

One of the Faculty of Science and Engineering’s flagship schemes for investing in Early Career Researchers and increasing the diversity of our staff is the Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Fellowship (DKOs). These represent a strategic investment in outstanding researchers who will shape our future research portfolio. The Fellowship is an excellent stepping stone to establishing an independent research career and gaining a full time permanent academic position. In 2024 we plan to appoint DKOs associated with our strategic partnership with the central facilities based on the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire including the Diamond Light Source and the ISIS Neutron and Muon Facility.  The strategic areas of interest for these fellowships are associated with the use of these facilities in understanding:

• Catalytic processes
• Quantum materials
• Magnetic materials
• Formulation science and engineering. 

As well as these specific areas of science and engineering, there is a strong desire to develop further capability in:

• Imaging
• Photoelectron emission
• Scattering
• In situ/operando environments
• Scientific computing.

These areas should be regarded as a guide to where we anticipate making appointments; however, outstanding candidates in science and engineering who are outside of these areas will also be considered and are encouraged to apply.

The University actively fosters a culture of inclusion and diversity and seeks to achieve true equality of opportunity for all members of its community. The Faculty welcomes applications from all sections of the community and are committed to having a representative workforce. Across the Schools we hold Bronze and Silver Athena SWAN Awards, which recognise our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and particularly the advancement of women’s education and careers in STEM.

The University also holds a Bronze Race Charter Mark recognising our commitment to improving the representation, progression and success of minority ethnic staff and students within higher education. In addition, we are a Disability Confident Employer, guaranteeing an interview for any disabled applicant who meets the minimum requirements for a job.

The University of Manchester

The University of Manchester (www.manchester.ac.uk) enjoys a global reputation for its research and its innovative approach to learning, with an on-going £1 billion investment in facilities, staff and buildings. This builds on our tradition of success that stretches back 200 years. The birth of the modern computer, the splitting of the atom, the founding principles of modern economics, the discovery of graphene, and the birthplace of engineering – these and many more world changing innovations have their roots at our University. We are at the forefront of the search for solutions to some of the world's most pressing problems, boasting strong collaborative links with industry and public services. In 2021, the university was number one, and in 2023 number two in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings table of more than 1,200 universities from around the world on impact addressing the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Application Process

Key contacts and information about the Faculty, Schools, Departments and Institutes can be found on our website (www.se.manchester.ac.uk) and queries may be emailed to DKOFellows@manchester.ac.uk.

Applications should be submitted via the application form on Jobtrain together with the following supporting documents noting the maximum page numbers for each document:

1. Curriculum Vitae (2 pages)
2. Please also upload your Research Proposal (2 pages), Academic Impact Statement (1 page) and Statement of Strategic Fit (1 page). These three documents must be combined into a single pdf (4 pages in total)

Deadline for applications: Tuesday 28^th May 2024 at 23:59 (UK time)

Selection Criteria

The criteria for appointment will be based upon:

• Overall potential of the fellowship to establish and maintain a distinctive and outstanding research and/or innovation activity
• Quality of the proposal, particularly in relation to potential impact and deliverables
• The relevance of the proposal to funders, industrial and/or policy stakeholders 
• Contribution to the areas of research for the Faculty/School and central facilities (see above)
• Potential to act as an ambassador and advocate in their field
• Ability to teach and communicate effectively to undergraduate and postgraduate students

The ‘home’ Department(s) of successful applicants will be discussed with candidates and agreed with the Heads of School following interview.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted by a panel, independently chaired by a Head of School. A shortlist of candidates will be drawn and presented to the Faculty. A Faculty panel chaired by the Vice President and Dean of the Faculty will carry out the final interview.

Applications are particularly welcomed from women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic applicants who are currently under-represented at this level. Appointments will be made on merit. The Faculty will also support requests to hold the award part-time over a proportionately longer period. Research excellence is the main criterion on the basis of which Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Early Career Research Fellowships are awarded. However, career breaks as well as unconventional research career paths will be taken into account. Evaluations will be monitored to identify potential biases e.g. in terms of gender and race to guarantee transparency, fairness and impartiality in the treatment of proposals.

Full details relating to eligibility; appointment details/conditions; and application procedure are outlined in the Guidance Notes that accompany this scheme.

Key dates

Date call issued: Monday 15^th April 2024

Deadline for applications: 23:59 (BST) Tuesday 28^th May 2024

Shortlisting completed: Friday 14^th June 2024

Invitations to interview issued: Monday 17^th June 2024

Interviews: Tuesday 25^th June 2024 to Friday 5^th July 2024

Successful and unsuccessful applicants informed of outcome: from Monday 8^th July 2024

Fellowship Start date: as soon as possible after announcement of success

What can you expect in return

The University will actively foster a culture of inclusion and diversity and will seek to achieve true equality of opportunity for all members of its community.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status.  All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.

Any CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support: jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.