The 2026 Scheme will open on Wednesday, 3rd of June. Closing date for applications - 30th September 2026.

Internal DAMTP Deadline - midday (BST) Monday, 6th July 2026.

Further details will be published on this page once the call is live. 

Ernest Rutherford Fellowships (ERF) enable early career researchers with clear leadership potential to establish a strong, independent research programme. ERFs are intended for talented early career researchers who do not yet hold a permanent academic position.

Preliminary call and internal selection details:

Starting Date: 1st October 2027 (or up until 31st March 2028 subject to negotiation)

Tenure: Up to five years

Salary: £47,389 to £59,966 per annum

Potential applicants should first contact a member of DAMTP academic staff in an appropriate area to discuss the possibility of submitting a pre-application to the DAMTP selection committee which will review requests.

Applicants who require assistance identifying a sponsor at DAMTP should contact DAMTP Grants team (grants@damtp.cam.ac.uk) at their earliest opportunity.

Once applicants have identified a member of DAMTP academic staff to sponsor their application, a pre-application may be made by submitting:

• CV
• Publication list
• A completed Expression of Interest form (template will be available once the scheme opens)
• A reference letter from a referee external to Cambridge
• A statement of support from the DAMTP sponsor
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion questionnaire (optional) - link will be available once the scheme opens

Pre-applications (CV, publication list, and EoI form) should be sent to grants@damtp.cam.ac.uk with attachments as pdf or Word document format files.
Applicants should ask their referees to submit their reference letters and support statements to the above email address.

Pre-applications, reference letters and support statements must be received no later than midday (BST) on 6th July 2026. 

Successful pre-application candidates will be provided with support and advice to develop their application before submission to STFC. STFC closing date for submission of applications is 30th September 2026.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. We particularly welcome applications from women and/or candidates from a BAME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department.

Anticipated timeline (TBC):

• Expression of interest application deadline - midday (BST) Monday 6th July
• Selected candidates informed w/c 13th July (TBC)
• Applicants to accept the offer to be hosted by 17th of July (TBC)
• Applicants liaise with DAMTP Grants team by 1st September (TBC)
• Financial aspects finalised by close of play Friday, 18th September (TBC)
• Administrative aspects finalised by close of play Wednesday, 23rd September
• Final submission to the funder - 16.00 (BST) Wednesday, 30th September 2026.