Global Talent Senior Research Fellow

Learn more about our Global Talent Fund Senior Research Fellowships.

We are only recruiting for the creative industries, including digital technologies, and advanced semiconductors and quantum technologies, priority areas at this time. Recruitment for all other areas has been concluded. Applications for the creative industries priority area will close at 23:59 on 30 October 2026. Applications for the advanced semiconductors and quantum technologies priority area will close at 23:59 on 16 November 2026.

Principal duties

Research

The postholder will:

• conduct research within one of the listed industrial strategy areas: creative industries, including digital technologies, and advanced semiconductors and quantum technologies, and contribute to the overall internationally recognised research performance of the School and the University’s Research Strategy
• generate and pursue independent and original research ideas in the field of research and support the initiation of new lines of research in related areas
• contribute to and lead successful research bids
• disseminate research findings through publishing in international academic journals, international conferences and/or other research outputs
• recruit, supervise and lead research teams and postgraduate research students, being responsible for their professional and academic development
• give invited addresses to professional meetings and conferences at national and international levels, building networks to develop research outputs and standing within the area of specialism to participate in School research activities
• contribute fully to the management of postgraduate research

Leadership

The postholder will:

• provide academic leadership by coordinating the work of others to ensure areas of research are organised and delivered effectively
• be involved in the departmental-level strategic planning and contribute to wider strategic planning processes in the University

Other

The postholder will:

• contribute to and/or lead bids for consultancy and additional funds
• undertake and lead operational administrative responsibilities as requested by the Head of School and the senior management team
• engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions, and so on, regionally and nationally and internationally, to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional, national, and international profile
• complete any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role

Person specification

It is the University’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria and outline how they are able to meet the desirable criteria. As part of the application process, you are asked to provide a supporting statement that clearly demonstrates how you fulfil the essential and desirable criteria.

When attaching the statement to support your application to your application profile, remember to put the vacancy reference in the title of the document.

Knowledge, skills and experience needed

Essential criteria

1. Postgraduate degree at PhD level in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience.
2. A well-established expertise and significant proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields: advanced semiconductors and quantum technologies, or creative industries, including digital technologies.
3. Established national and growing international reputation within the academic field.
4. Proven substantial record of publications in national and international journals and/or other research outputs.
5. Proven record of contributing to and leading successful research bids.
6. Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication.
7. Proven ability to lead and develop a research team.
8. Proven ability to attract MA and PhD students.
9. Proven record of academic leadership.
10. Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and teamwork within work.

Desirable criteria

1. Relevant professional qualification(s).
2. Evidence of collaborations with industry.
3. Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
4. Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the teaching and research activities of the School.
5. Proven record of taking responsibility for academically related administration.

Additional information

Salary range

Senior Research Fellows: £62,994 - £68,817 per annum (Grade 8)

Terms and conditions of employment

These positions are full-time. Senior Research Fellow positions for the Creative Industries, including the Digital Technologies field, are fixed-term until 30 September 2030. Senior Research Fellow positions for the Advanced Semiconductors and Quantum Technologies field are open-ended.

Candidates would be required to relocate to Cardiff as part of the Fellowship, with funds available to relocate. We offer 37 days per annum of annual leave plus bank holidays, and a USS Retirement Income Builder (RIB) pension.

Equality of opportunity policy

Cardiff University is committed to promoting equality and diversity in all of its practices and activities, including those relating to staff recruitment and employment.

The University aims to establish an inclusive culture which welcomes and ensures equality of opportunity for applicants of all ages, ethnicities, disabilities, family structures, genders, nationalities, sexual orientations, races, religious or other beliefs, and socio-economic backgrounds.

This commitment forms part of Cardiff University’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.

Candidate pack

How to apply

Applications for Senior Research Fellows for Creative Industries will close at 23:59 on 30 October 2026. Applications for Senior Research Fellows for Advanced Semiconductors and Quantum Technologies will close at 23:59 on 16 November 2026.

All submissions must be sent to CardiffGlobalTalentFund@cardiff.ac.uk.

Applicants should supply a:

• full CV
• full research programme using the template supplied
• supporting statement

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual feedback to candidates.

Apply

Research programme template

You must complete this in full before submitting your application.