Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Fellowship School of Engineering

Background

The Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Manchester has been investing in Early Career Researchers for many years, increasing the diversity of our staff. These represent a strategic investment in outstanding researchers who will shape our future research portfolio. In 2026, we plan to appoint Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw University Research Fellowships in the School of Engineering. These fellowships are fixed term for 5 years and are an excellent stepping-stone to establishing an independent research career and gaining a full-time permanent academic position. We are looking for outstanding candidates who have the ability to undertake world leading in some of the following areas:

Biomedical Engineering:

• Translational Biomedical Engineering – user-centred design, regulatory pathways (CE/UKCA), and standards for medical/assistive devices.
• Drug delivery systems – nanoelectronics, nanoparticles, and similar for therapeutic agent release (including closed loop/triggered release).
• Bioelectronics – particularly those integrated with tissues or organs, or organs on chip, providing sensory capacity for real time measurements.
• Biomedical AI – holistically, e.g. time series and image analysis or predictive modelling, edge AI, AI for biomaterials formulation, processing and manufacturing optimization.
• Wearable devices – wearable physiological sensors, smart textiles, soft robotics, and exoskeletons for rehabilitation or musculoskeletal support.
• Biomechanics and human movement science – musculoskeletal modelling, digital human modelling, motion analysis, and ageing-related mobility research.
• AI for soft robotics - control, design and manufacturing; biomechanics (clinical, sports-focused and assistive technology)
• Industrial biotechnology and bioprocessing

Space

• Very low Earth orbit technology and concept development as a more sustainable approach to space infrastructure for global communications and remote sensing
• Space sustainability more generally from ISAM (In-Space Assembly and Manufacturing), through to orbital capacity modelling and debris removal
• Remote sensing from space for environmental monitoring including deforestation, climate change, water scarcity, greenhouse gas emissions and wildfires.
• Neuromorphic sensing, e.g. astronomical imaging (https://www.optera.au/)
• Software verification tools for space robotics.
• Electric Propulsion & Space Debris mitigation

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 is 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.

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. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups in academia. All appointments are made on merit. Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here.

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 2025, the university was second in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings table of more than 2,500 universities globally for our impact in addressing the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Fellowships are fully aligned with the recently launched Manchester 2035 strategy and our EDIA goals incorporating Our People, Our Values, Our Future.

Application Process

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

Applications should be submitted via the application form on Job train 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)

Please ensure you indicate which Department you are applying to

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
• The quality of the proposal, particularly in relation to potential impact and deliverables
• The relevance of the proposal to funders, industrial and/or policy stakeholders
• Potential to act as an ambassador and advocate in their field
• Ability to teach and communicate effectively to undergraduate and postgraduate students

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. An interview 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. We will also support requests to hold the award part-time over a proportionately longer period. Research excellence is the main criterion on which these University 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

What will you 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 opportunity 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 be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.

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.talent@manchester.ac.uk

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Email: DKOFellows@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

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

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

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.