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BACKGROUND
The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) 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 FSE. 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.
FSE and Rapiscan (https://www.rapiscansystems.com/en/) have, for many years, worked together on collaborative research in the field of security screening technologies. This has included development of x-ray CT baggage screening systems and research into novel instrumentation for x-ray cargo screening and metal detection. As a step in growing this strategic partnership we plan to appoint a Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw University Research Fellowship in a joint venture between the Faculty of Science and Engineering and Rapiscan. The fellowship will have a focus in instrumentation development, with consideration of applications to security screening. Proposals should demonstrate how they align to the industrial partner priorities in any of the following areas:
Proposals should also highlight their contribution to priority areas of research for the Faculty. Alignment to work in national and international priorities such as, but not limited to, those of the UK government technology priority areas, national laboratories and European Committee for Future Accelerators Detector Research & Development Collaborations is welcome.
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.
Rapiscan
Rapiscan are the world’s leading provider of security screening technology. Their product portfolio includes x-ray screening for cargo and vehicles, aviation x-ray CT scanners for hold and carry-on luggage, radiation detectors, trace chemical detectors and person screening. The products scale from technologies for screening cargo containers and even rail freight down to table top and handheld devices.
Innovation is a core value of Rapiscan and they highly value the collaboration with academia in identifying and developing the next best technologies to transition to products. The collaborative approach with academia aims at ensuring that there is realised impact from fundamental research with technologies transitioned to products that will have positive results in border security, reducing the flow of illicit and dangerous goods into countries and reducing the economic and social costs of these activities.
Rapiscan is currently constructing their Science and Technology Innovation Centre at its site at Biddulph around 30 miles from the University of Manchester which is already home to its x-ray test facility and the points of contact for this role. This will support instrumentation activities with access to detector labs and x-ray source bunkers.
Candidates are encouraged to discuss with Rapiscan their priority areas of research before applying. Please contact Dr David Sharp (dsharp@rapiscan.com), who is both the lead on collaborative research at Rapiscan and an academic in the department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Manchester.
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 AS A SINGLE PDF FILE comprising the application form, Curriculum Vitae, Research Proposal, Academic Impact Statement and Statement of Strategic Fit to DKOFellows@manchester.ac.uk by the stated deadline. In addition, the Equal Opportunities Monitoring form should also be submitted AS A SEPARATE FILE.
Applicants should take into consideration that the work may involve security applications and likely to be subject to export control approvals.
Deadline for applications: 23.59 (UK time) Wednesday 15 April 2026
SELECTION CRITERIA
The criteria for appointment will be based upon:
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
Date Call issued:
Friday 20 March 2026
Deadline for applications:
23:59 Wednesday 15 April 2026
Shortlisting completed:
Thursday 07 May 2026
Invitations to first interview issued:
Friday 08 May 2026
First interviews:
From week beginning 18 May 2026
Invitations for final interview issued
Friday 29 May 2026
Final interviews:
Tuesday 09 June, Wednesday 10 June or Thursday 11 June 2026
Outcomes notified to interviewees:
Monday 15 June 2026
Fellowship Start date:
as soon as possible after announcement of success
What you will get in return:
Please be aware that due to the number of applications we unfortunately may 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 recruitmentservices.people@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:
0161 850 2004 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.
hackajob is partnering with The University of Manchester to fill this position. Create a profile to be automatically considered for this role—and others that match your experience.