Research Catalyst Fellow

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research. 

We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.  

Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference.

The role

We are seeking two talented and ambitious postdoctoral researchers to join our thriving research community as Research Catalyst Fellows (fixed term contract up to October 2028). These newly created positions offer an exciting opportunity to build your own research profile while playing a key role in developing high-quality, impactful research across the School.

As a Research Catalyst Fellow, you will work at the heart of our research ecosystem, bringing together academic expertise, external partnerships and funding opportunities to support the development of ambitious research programmes. You will collaborate across disciplines, research centres and innovation activities, helping colleagues secure external funding, generate impactful research and address major business and societal challenges.

This role combines academic research with research development and collaboration. You will help identify funding opportunities, support the development of competitive research proposals and contribute intellectually to projects from conception through to delivery. Working closely with academics, doctoral researchers and external partners, you will help create research programmes that deliver meaningful impact for organisations, policymakers and society.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Develop and coordinate high-quality funding applications to major funders, including ESRC and Innovate UK.
• Build collaborations across disciplines, faculties and external organisations.
• Contribute methodological and intellectual expertise to research projects and funding proposals.
• Support the creation of impactful research addressing industrial priorities, economic growth and societal challenges.
• Publish high-quality research and contribute to a growing body of evidence that influences practice and policy.

Importantly, up to 20% of your workload will be protected for your own independent research, enabling you to build your research profile, develop publications and pursue your academic interests alongside collaborative projects.

About You

We are looking for proactive, collaborative researchers who are excited by both generating excellent research and enabling others to do the same.

You will have:

• A PhD in a business, management or related discipline, completed or near completion by the start date.
• A developing research profile with evidence of high-quality publications or a strong publication pipeline.
• Strong quantitative, qualitative and/or mixed-methods research skills.
• The ability to develop innovative research ideas, robust study designs and compelling funding proposals.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and project coordination skills.
• A commitment to research integrity, collaboration and inclusive research culture.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter via our website. You will also be asked some brief questions to help us understand your suitability for the position.

The University of Surrey reserves the right to close this vacancy early or extend based on volume and calibre of applications.

Closing Date: 08 Nov 2026

Area: Research & Teaching

Salary: £38,448 to £46,970 per annum