Vice-Chancellor's Prize Fellow
| Posting date: | 20 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £38,784 to £56,535 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 22 March 2026 |
| Location: | Birmingham, West Midlands |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Aston University |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | R260015 |
Summary
Shape the Future of Research. Build Your Academic Independence. Join a Community of Changemakers.
Aston University is proud to launch the Vice‑Chancellor’s Prize Fellowship Scheme, an ambitious initiative designed to attract and develop exceptional research talent aligned to our 2030 Strategy.
This prestigious scheme supports researchers to grow their autonomy, lead innovative projects, and establish a strong national and international reputation, all while contributing to Aston’s vibrant, collaborative research culture.
We are offering up to 10 tenure‑tracked Fellowships across our academic Schools, and associated University Research Institutes and Research Centres. They are available at Grade 8 or Grade 9, depending on experience and research track record.
Successful completion of the Fellowship, including its bespoke training and mentoring programme, leads to the opportunity for a permanent academic appointment from September 2029.
Join Our Live Webinar
Learn more about the Fellowships, ask questions, and meet academic leaders.
Date: 3rd March
Time: 10:00 - 11:00am (UK time)
Joining Link: VC Prize Fellowships Info Event | Meeting‑Join | Microsoft Teams
Why Apply for a Vice‑Chancellor’s Prize Fellowship?
Build an independent research portfolio - Develop distinctive, high‑impact research in a supportive environment with mentoring, peer networks and institutional backing.
Access world‑class research teams - Align with established and emerging areas of excellence across academic disciplines.
Develop your academic career - Engage in teaching (up to 0.4 FTE), contribute to vibrant research communities, and strengthen your professional reputation.
Support tailored to your stage of academic development -
Grade 8 (Early Career): Signals of emerging research excellence following completion of a PhD.
Grade 9: A more consolidated research profile demonstrating leadership, funding success and international engagement.
A pathway to a permanent academic role - Subject to progress, Fellows transition to a permanent academic contract after three years.
We welcome applicants who:
Aspire to deliver internationally excellent research.
Demonstrate collaborative, inclusive values.
Have expertise aligned with Aston’s Research Institutes, Centres, or academic schools.
May be clinical or industry professionals seeking a fractional contract to balance practice with existing research.
How to Apply
You may apply to only one Fellowship and should select the academic area and grade that best align with your expertise and ambitions.
Grade 8 (Early Career): https://jobs.aston.ac.uk/R260014
Grade 9: https://jobs.aston.ac.uk/R260013
Please find the job details and the proposal template below under further details. Please upload the Research Proposal as part of this application.
What we offer:
Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
The role is offered as 'dynamic working', which means working both on campus (expected on campus 3 days per week) and from home dependent on the activity. Further information on dynamic working can be found here.
Excellent training and development opportunities.
A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers
Great family friendly policies
On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available
Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here
This role may meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role.
Please note we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting.
See here for more information on Skilled Worker visa eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
Aston University is proud to launch the Vice‑Chancellor’s Prize Fellowship Scheme, an ambitious initiative designed to attract and develop exceptional research talent aligned to our 2030 Strategy.
This prestigious scheme supports researchers to grow their autonomy, lead innovative projects, and establish a strong national and international reputation, all while contributing to Aston’s vibrant, collaborative research culture.
We are offering up to 10 tenure‑tracked Fellowships across our academic Schools, and associated University Research Institutes and Research Centres. They are available at Grade 8 or Grade 9, depending on experience and research track record.
Successful completion of the Fellowship, including its bespoke training and mentoring programme, leads to the opportunity for a permanent academic appointment from September 2029.
Join Our Live Webinar
Learn more about the Fellowships, ask questions, and meet academic leaders.
Date: 3rd March
Time: 10:00 - 11:00am (UK time)
Joining Link: VC Prize Fellowships Info Event | Meeting‑Join | Microsoft Teams
Why Apply for a Vice‑Chancellor’s Prize Fellowship?
Build an independent research portfolio - Develop distinctive, high‑impact research in a supportive environment with mentoring, peer networks and institutional backing.
Access world‑class research teams - Align with established and emerging areas of excellence across academic disciplines.
Develop your academic career - Engage in teaching (up to 0.4 FTE), contribute to vibrant research communities, and strengthen your professional reputation.
Support tailored to your stage of academic development -
Grade 8 (Early Career): Signals of emerging research excellence following completion of a PhD.
Grade 9: A more consolidated research profile demonstrating leadership, funding success and international engagement.
A pathway to a permanent academic role - Subject to progress, Fellows transition to a permanent academic contract after three years.
We welcome applicants who:
Aspire to deliver internationally excellent research.
Demonstrate collaborative, inclusive values.
Have expertise aligned with Aston’s Research Institutes, Centres, or academic schools.
May be clinical or industry professionals seeking a fractional contract to balance practice with existing research.
How to Apply
You may apply to only one Fellowship and should select the academic area and grade that best align with your expertise and ambitions.
Grade 8 (Early Career): https://jobs.aston.ac.uk/R260014
Grade 9: https://jobs.aston.ac.uk/R260013
Please find the job details and the proposal template below under further details. Please upload the Research Proposal as part of this application.
What we offer:
Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
The role is offered as 'dynamic working', which means working both on campus (expected on campus 3 days per week) and from home dependent on the activity. Further information on dynamic working can be found here.
Excellent training and development opportunities.
A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers
Great family friendly policies
On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available
Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here
This role may meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role.
Please note we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting.
See here for more information on Skilled Worker visa eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa
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