Exciting opportunities to become a University Academic Fellow

Experienced and ambitious researchers who are passionate about developing their careers at Leeds are invited to apply to become University Academic Fellows.

Dr James Stark, who successfully applied to become a University Academic Fellow

University Academic Fellow, Dr James Stark. January 2019

Recruitment for a number of new roles has begun with a view to successful applicants taking up their posts this autumn.

As a University Academic Fellow (UAF), you will go through a structured five-year development programme that leads to you becoming an Associate Professor. You will work with leading academics, who will support you in reaching your potential. 

And applications are actively welcomed from current researchers at Leeds, as well as those from other institutions.

Professor Lisa Roberts, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, said: “We're looking for outstanding candidates to join us from anywhere in the world, and also closer to home from existing staff, to help us further establish ourselves as a top 10 UK and top 100 global university.”

Since 2014, we’ve recruited 150 researchers as part of our Great Minds scheme. And we’ve already seen exceptional work and major contributions to our academic activities and impact as a result.

Among existing colleagues to have flourished as part of the scheme is Dr James Stark, Associate Professor of Medical Humanities in the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science.

He said: “The UAF route is a wonderful opportunity to further your career and take on significant responsibilities – with incredible freedom – in a diverse and stimulating intellectual environment.

“The UAF programme encourages you to be ambitious in both your application and once in post, and it gives you licence to apply for the most high-profile sources of funding, take time to push yourself and allow new collaborative relationships to develop. 

“Having been based at Leeds since I began my doctoral research in 2008, I have always appreciated the supportive and exciting intellectual environment. My colleagues have been – and remain – the most important and encouraging ‘critical friends’ that I could imagine. The interdisciplinary research culture and the shared ambitions to translate this into our student education activities makes Leeds a wonderful place to develop as an early career academic. 

“The UAF position in Medical Humanities offered the opportunity to enhance my credentials in interdisciplinary research, connecting my existing research specialism in the History of Medicine with centres across the University. Having protected research time early in the Fellowship was invaluable, and enabled me to develop grant applications and external collaborations in ways that would not have been otherwise possible for someone at my career stage. 

“I’m delighted to be continuing at Leeds, taking a full part in research, student education and leadership activities.”

You can apply for a UAF in the following roles: 

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence in Financial Services

Bioinformatics (cancer)

Energy Demand

Experimental Biogeochemistry

Fashion Clothing Engineering

Fluid Dynamics

Healthcare and Surgical Robotics

Healthcare Technology Evaluation

Health Informatics

Immersive Technologies

Musculoskeletal Medical Technologies

Predictive Disease Models

Statistical and Machine Learning

The Bragg Centre for Materials Research

Vehicle Automation

Closing date for applications is Sunday 10 March. Email the UAF support team for further information or advice.

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