Merton College, University of Oxford, is inviting applications for its Early Career Researcher Fellowships 2027 in Sciences, offering an opportunity for emerging researchers in Chemistry or Biology to develop their research profiles within one of the world’s leading academic environments. The fellowship is designed for researchers at an early stage of their careers who are preparing for long-term academic careers. The successful candidate will undertake an independent programme of original research, disseminate research findings and participate in the academic life of Merton College. Limited teaching may also be undertaken. One fellowship will be awarded as a three-year fixed-term appointment, beginning on 1 October 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter. Fellowship Benefits The fellowship offers a salary of £40,514 per year, based on the 2025–2026 rate. Merton College notes that the salary rate for 2026–2027 is currently under review. Additional allowances may also be available. Beyond financial remuneration, the fellowship provides an opportunity for an early career researcher to establish a stronger academic and research profile while working within the University of Oxford environment. The position is particularly relevant to researchers seeking to strengthen their publication record, research dissemination experience and preparation for future academic appointments. Fields of Research The 2027 fellowship in Sciences is open to researchers whose expertise falls within: Chemistry Biology Applicants are expected to demonstrate research expertise appropriate to their career stage through their doctoral research, publications or forthcoming scholarly work, or other evidence of future research achievement. Eligibility Requirements Applicants should have a recently completed doctorate or be close to completing a doctorate. Candidates who are still completing their PhD must have submitted their thesis no later than 1 July 2027, which is three months before the expected start date. Applicants who formally submitted their doctoral thesis for viva examination before 1 October 2025 are generally not eligible. An exception may apply where the candidate can demonstrate that they had not accumulated two years of full-time study or research, excluding professional training, before the appointment date. Candidates must also demonstrate research expertise appropriate to their career stage. This may be evidenced through a recently completed or near-completed doctoral thesis, peer-reviewed publications, forthcoming books or articles, or other credible evidence of future scholarly achievement. Research Proposal and Academic Contribution Applicants are expected to present a coherent research plan covering the duration of the three-year appointment. The proposed research should demonstrate the potential to make a valuable contribution to the applicant’s field. Evidence of active engagement in disseminating research findings is also important. Applicants should therefore be prepared to demonstrate how they have communicated their research through publications, conferences, presentations or other appropriate academic channels. Successful fellows are expected to participate actively in the academic life of Merton College while maintaining a high-quality programme of original research. How to Apply Candidates must submit all required application documents specified in the official Further Particulars by email to jrfadmin@merton.ox.ac.uk. Applicants must also complete the online application form. The application deadline is 9:00am UK time on Friday, 16 October 2026. Candidates with questions concerning the Further Particulars should contact the Merton College HR team by 9:00am UK time on Friday, 9 October 2026. Applicants are also encouraged to complete the Equal Opportunities Recruitment Monitoring Form. Information collected through this form is not used as part of the selection process. How to Successfully Apply Applicants should carefully review the Further Particulars before preparing their submission. The research proposal should clearly explain the research question, methodology, expected contribution and planned outputs over the three-year fellowship. Candidates should also ensure that their CV and supporting materials clearly demonstrate doctoral-level research expertise and evidence of research dissemination. All documents should be submitted in the required format and before the stated deadline. Candidates should allow sufficient time to complete both the email submission and online application form. Why This Fellowship Is Valuable The Merton College Early Career Researcher Fellowship provides emerging scientists with an opportunity to develop an independent research programme while gaining experience within the academic community of the University of Oxford. For researchers in Chemistry and Biology seeking an academic career, the fellowship can provide time and institutional support to strengthen their research portfolio, publish findings and establish a foundation for future academic opportunities. Applications are particularly welcomed from women, candidates with disabilities, and Black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts at the University of Oxford. All applicants are considered on merit against the published selection criteria. Key Details Fellowship: Merton College Early Career Researcher Fellowship 2027Fields: Chemistry and BiologyInstitution: Merton College, University of OxfordLocation: Oxford, United KingdomDuration: Three yearsStart date: 1 October 2027 or as soon as possible thereafterSalary: £40,514 per year based on the 2025–2026 rate, plus allowancesEligibility: Recent PhD graduates or candidates close to completing a doctorateApplication deadline: 16 October 2026, 9:00am UK timeQuery deadline: 9 October 2026, 9:00am UK time VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY Interested candidates should review the official Merton College Further Particulars and application requirements before submitting their applications. Merton College is an equal opportunities employer. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.