Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Fellowship School of Engineering

Overview

The Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Manchester invites applications for Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw University Research Fellowships in the School of Engineering. These are fixed-term appointments for 5 years and are intended to support outstanding researchers in establishing an independent research career and pursuing a permanent academic position. In 2026 we plan to appoint fellows who can undertake world-leading research in the areas listed below.

The Faculty has invested in Early Career Researchers to increase staff diversity and shape our future research portfolio. The fellowships offer a stepping-stone toward independent research careers and full-time academic posts. Fellows should be able to undertake world-leading research in the areas described:

Biomedical Engineering

• Translational Biomedical Engineering – user-centred design, regulatory pathways (CE/UKCA), and standards for medical/assistive devices.
• Drug delivery systems – nanoelectronics, nanoparticles, and similar for therapeutic agent release (including closed loop/triggered release).
• Bioelectronics – particularly those integrated with tissues or organs, or organs on chip, providing sensory capacity for real time measurements.
• Biomedical AI – time series and image analysis or predictive modelling, edge AI, AI for biomaterials formulation, processing and manufacturing optimization.
• Wearable devices – wearable physiological sensors, smart textiles, soft robotics, and exoskeletons for rehabilitation or musculoskeletal support.
• Biomechanics and human movement science – musculoskeletal modelling, digital human modelling, motion analysis, and ageing-related mobility research.
• AI for soft robotics – control, design and manufacturing; biomechanics (clinical, sports-focused and assistive technology).
• Industrial biotechnology and bioprocessing.

Space

• Very low Earth orbit technology and concept development for sustainable space infrastructure, including global communications and remote sensing.
• Space sustainability, including ISAM (In-Space Assembly and Manufacturing), orbital capacity modelling and debris removal.
• Remote sensing from space for environmental monitoring (deforestation, climate change, water scarcity, greenhouse gas emissions, wildfires).
• Neuromorphic sensing, e.g. astronomical imaging.
• Software verification tools for space robotics.
• Electric Propulsion & Space Debris mitigation.

The University is committed to inclusion and diversity and to equality of opportunity. We hold Bronze and Silver Athena SWAN Awards and a Bronze Race Charter Mark. We are Disability Confident and welcome applicants from all sections of the community. All appointments are made on merit. Flexible working is supported.

The University of Manchester

The University has a global reputation for research and innovation, with continued investment in facilities and staff. In 2025 the university ranked highly in the THE Impact Rankings for SDG-related activities. The Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Fellowships align with Manchester 2035 and our EDIA goals.

Key contacts and information about the Faculty, Schools, Departments and Institutes can be found on our website. Queries may be emailed to  Applications should be submitted via the Job Train application form with the following supporting documents (note the maximum page counts):

• Curriculum Vitae (2 pages)
• Research Proposal (2 pages), Academic Impact Statement (1 page) and Statement of Strategic Fit (1 page) — these three documents must be combined into a single PDF (4 pages in total).

Indicate which Department you are applying to.

The selection criteria are based on the overall potential of the fellowship, the quality of the proposal (impact and deliverables), relevance to funders/industry/policy stakeholders, ambassadorial potential, and the ability to teach and communicate effectively to undergraduates and postgraduates.

Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted by a panel chaired by a Head of School. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by a panel chaired by the Vice President and Dean of the Faculty. We particularly welcome…