Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowships 2027

Early career researchers are invited to apply for the latest funding round of Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowships, to be hosted within the School of Biological Sciences at The University of Manchester.

The Leverhulme Trust scheme is for early career researchers who have a research record, but have not yet held a full-time permanent academic post. Successful candidates will undertake a significant piece of publishable work.

The School of Biological Sciences can support up to three researchers from either within The University of Manchester or another institution with their application for the fellowships.

Eligibility

All candidates must hold a doctorate by the time they take up the Fellowship. 

Applications will be considered in all subject areas except:

  • studies of disease, illness and disabilities in humans and animals
  • research that is intended to inform clinical practice or the development of medical applications.

The Trust excludes these areas because substantial funding is available from other sources for applied medical research, and the Trust's priority is to support investigations of a fundamental nature.

See full details of the scheme, including eligibility: Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowships 2027 Process (Word).

Applying for support with your application

Interested candidates should identify a potential academic host in their chosen Division within the School of Biological Sciences. You are advised to work closely with them to develop your Expression of Interest. Approval is also needed from a Head of Division within the School.

You should then send us your Expression of Interest, which should consist of the following:

  • a completed pro-forma: Leverhulme ECF proforma (Word)
  • a brief CV (up to two pages)
  • a list of publications (one page maximum – please use the following headings: 'In preparation', 'Submitted' and 'Published').

Expressions of Interest should be sent to:

Jen Adams (Research Development Manager for Biological Sciences and Biotechnology)
Email: jennefer.adams@manchester.ac.uk

The deadline is Friday 23 October 2026.

Selected applicants will be informed in the week beginning 23 November 2026. All shortlisted candidates will then receive support from their Research Development Manager and the Faculty Fellowship Academy to further develop and enhance your application before submission.

Applying for the Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowships

The 2027 round opens on 1 January 2027.

The closing date for applications is 4pm on 18 February 2027.

More information can be found on the Leverhulme Trust website: Early Career Fellowships.