Research fellowship opportunities
The Astrophysics Research Institute (ARI) warmly welcomes applications from candidates interested in applying for personal research fellowships at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). The ARI’s diverse research portfolio, spanning observational, theoretical and computational astrophysics, and astronomy instrumentation, makes the institute an ideal host for these fellowships, offering many natural synergies that complement independent research programmes.
Interested candidates are advised to contact the ARI’s head of research, Prof Robert Crain at the earliest opportunity. The institute typically conducts an internal selection process for fellowship applications, to ensure that submitted proposals are high quality. We usually request an expression of interest (EOI) from interested candidates 3 months prior to the fellowship deadline. EOIs typically consist of a one page summary of your proposed research project, a statement motivating the ARI as the chosen host institute, a CV and a publications list.
The ARI is committed to advancing equality and diversity and ensuring an inclusive culture. We welcome applications from scientists of any ethnic group, gender, nationality or sexual orientation. The university supports flexible working patterns and the enhanced parental leave conditions often provided by research council-funded fellowships. Applications are welcome from applicants who are returning from a career break or those working outside of academia.
If you wish to discuss your individual circumstances, or if you have any accessibility or accommodation requirements for the application or internal selection processes, please contact the ARI’s head of research, Prof Robert Crain and/or the ARI’s head of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), Prof Shiho Kobayashi. Discover the institute’s approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) matters.
Below we provide details of the key fellowships open to astrophysicists. This list is not exhaustive and we welcome interest from applicants from all applicable fellowships.
Open calls
We are currently accepting expressions of interest for the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (round 11). Interested candidates are requested to complete the form (Word, 49.5KB) and return by email to Professor Robert Crain by midnight on Sunday 1 March 2026. We welcome informal enquiries from candidates ahead of the submission of an expression of interest.
Current and past fellows
- Dr Emma Beasor, Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship, awarded in 2024
- Dr Gavin Lamb, Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship, awarded in 2023
- Dr Jonathan Henshaw, Royal Society University Research Fellowship, awarded in 2023
- Dr Robert Grand, Science and Technology Facilities Council Ernest Rutherford Fellowship, awarded in 2022
- Dr Renske Smit, Science and Technology Facilities Council Ernest Rutherford Fellowship, awarded in 2019
- Dr Sebastian Kamann, United Kingdom Research and Innovation Future Leaders Fellowship, awarded in 2019
- Prof Ian McCarthy, European Research Council Consolidator Grant, awarded in 2018
- Prof Nate Bastian, European Research Council Consolidator Grant, awarded in 2015
- Prof Robert Crain, Royal Society University Research Fellowship, awarded in 2014
- Prof Nate Bastian, Royal Society University Research Fellowship, awarded in 2012
- Dr Andreea Font, Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship, awarded in 2012
- Prof Ian McCarthy, Science and Technology Facilities Council Advanced Fellowship, awarded in 2011