Durham University is delighted to launch a new Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) scheme, designed to attract the most talented researchers in Europe and beyond, and build international networks of scholars with a common passion for the deepest theoretical questions and most pressing practical problems facing humanity.

The JRF scheme is aimed at researchers with substantial post-doctoral experience, but recent doctorands of exceptional ability and researchers who have followed non-traditional academic career paths (such as in public corporations, NGOs or industry) are also encouraged to apply. JRFs will pursue new research ideas of their own design, undertaken in collaboration within academic researchers at Durham University

Applicants are encouraged to take advantage of the diverse spectrum of opportunities offered by the Institutes at Durham, which span the Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, and link their proposals to research programmes of the Institutes and their constituent research centres. These Institutes are listed below. Applicants may, however, submit a research proposal that is independent of the Institutes or the Durham Business School, provided that they have a coherent and cogent reason why this research should be conducted in Durham: such ‘free-standing’ Junior Fellows will be affiliated to the Institute of Advanced Study.

• Institute of Advanced Study (IAS)
• Institute of Computational Cosmology (ICC)
• Institute of Particle Physics Phenomenology (IPPP)
• Biophysical Sciences Institute (BSI)
• Durham Energy Institute (DEI)
• Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience (IHRR)
• Wolfson Research Institute (WRI)
• Institute of Mediaeval and Renaissance Studies (IMRS)
• Durham Global Security Institute (DGSI)
• Durham Business School (DBS)

In order that the JRFs can complete a significant piece of original research during the Fellowship, the normal period of the Fellowship will be 2 years, though Fellows can make a case for a shorter or longer period with a minimum of one year and a maximum of 3 years.

Up to 14 Junior Fellowships will be available, to commence between 1 October 2011 and 1 April 2012.

To be eligible, in line with the terms of funding set by Marie Curie, “researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc) in the country of their host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the reference date. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not taken into account”. The reference date is 1 October 2011. For full details please visit http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/dc/index.cfm?fuseaction=UserSite.PeopleDetailsCallPage&call_id=381. There are no nationality restrictions, but the award of a Fellowship will be conditional on a visa and work permit being secured, if required, from the UK Border Agency.

A member of the Durham academic staff will act as host and Mentor for each Fellow. Before applying, applicants must seek the agreement of a Durham academic to act as their host. The host will help them to refine their research proposal and ensure that the appropriate facilities for the conduct of the research project are available in the University. The host is required to complete a proforma (below) that is a required part of the application documentation.

Application materials will need to be submitted through the Durham University online application system under vacancy reference number 1076. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 10 August 2011.

The Durham International Junior Research Fellowships are supported by the European Union through the COFUND programme.

For more information, please visit official website: www.dur.ac.uk.

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