Award details
The EPSRC Post Doctoral Pathway Scheme helps universities retain the best students who have been funded by EPSRC or a UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training beyond the point of PhD submissionÌýby providing salary funding for 12 months . This scheme aims to increase the impact of EPSRC PhDs in terms of publications, knowledge transfer and outreach, and to encourage high quality candidates to pursue research careers. These awards are supported through the University of Southampton’s EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award grant (DLA), and are allocated through a competitive tender.
Recipients of the EPSRC Post Doctoral Pathway Scheme may receive up to 12 months of funding for salary based at the University of Southampton and based on ERE Level 4 Point 28.ÌýWhile funding is only for salary costs for 12 months, support of research running costs, and/or extension of the Scheme through industrial collaboration, or through Faculty support, is both permissible and is encouraged.
Awards may start at any time betweenÌý1 April 2026 and 31 December 2026.
In order to be eligible for a Post Doctoral Pathway, candidates must:
- have received an EPSRC or UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training funded PhD (e.g., DTP, CDT, iCASE). Please note you will need to quote the grant reference number in your application form to confirm your eligibility;
- have submitted their theses after 1 October 2025 or be in the posession of one of the 6 month post doctoral pathways funded by EPSRC in August 2025 (that run between 1st October 2025 and 31st March 2026);
- Be able to commence their Post Doctoral Pathway between 1st April 2026 and 31st October 2026;
- have achieved an examiners’ recommendation of at least a pass with minor corrections ;
- have the support of their chosen University of Southampton host School/Department to apply to this scheme and have identified a suitable mentor (who should possibly not be the candidate's PhD supervisor);
- suggest a project within EPSRC’s remit;
How to Apply
Proposals should be led and submitted by the candidate; however approval from the supervisor and Faculty Finance will also be required. Candidates are required to submit:
- a 2-page CV;
- a 1-page list of relevant publication
- a completed application form (linked below), including
- a brief description of your PhD project (no more than 1 side),
- a Case for Support (no more than 2 sides),
- your Supervisor's endorsement (no more than 1 side).
Applications should be submitted toÌýepsrc-dla@soton.ac.ukÌýby 4pm on Wednesday 21st January 2026.
Post Doctoral Pathway Application Form 2025/26
FAQs
If I have been funded by EPSRC does it need to be by a certain amount?
You have to have had your fees and stipend covered by EPSRC.Ìý If you have been funded by an EPSRC DTP or a DLA you should have been funded for at least 51% of the total cost of the studentship.Ìý If you have been funded by a UKRI CDT you must have been a full member of the CDT cohort (ie have been funded by the CDT grant).
I am external to the University of Southampton, can I apply?
Yes, we encourage external applications.Ìý We would need to have confirmation from your current supervisor and relevant finance team that you have been EPSRC funded.
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