I just realized that I had forgotten to give notice of an important scheme run jointly between the Royal Society and Science Foundation Ireland that gives early career researchers in Ireland access to University Research Fellowships. In previous years I’ve passed this on ahead of the opening of the scheme, but it is already open. In fact there was a Zoom webinar for Irish applicants on 17th July, which has now passed. The deadline is not until 10th September, however, so there is time to apply.
This scheme provides eight years of research funding and has proved to be a stepping stone to their first permanent academic position for a great many scientists. Here are a couple of items about the eligibility and duration.
Eligibility: The scheme is open to early career Post Doctoral Researchers with between 3-8 years of actual research experience since their PhD (date on which the degree was approved by board of graduate studies) by the closing date. You cannot apply if you hold a permanent post in a university.
Funding and Duration: Once upon a time this scheme provided funding of the research fellow’s salary and research expenses for an initial period of 5 years with the possibility to apply for a further 3 years. A couple of years ago this changed, however, and applicants are now asked to provide a proposal for a project lasting eight years which is subject to a mid-term review.
Key Dates: Applications need to be in by 3pm 10th September 2024 at 3pm UK time.
For further details and further developments see here.
The scheme covers a wide range of disciplines. including physics and astronomy. Of course if you want to do cosmology, either observational or theoretical, the best place to do it in Ireland is here in Maynooth but we also do, e.g. condensed matter theory and particle physics.
The deadline is not far off, so please get cracking. You will need to get a statement of support from the relevant Head of Department at your chosen institution, so you need to make contact with your prospective host as soon as possible.
