Are you passionate about advancing scientific knowledge in an intellectually stimulating environment? Do you aspire to contribute to groundbreaking research in a globally recognized institution? We invite talented individuals from Vietnam, with a special emphasis on encouraging applications from women, to apply for a prestigious Early Career Fellowship funded by the British Council through the International Science Partnerships Fund.
About Us:
Our institution is at the forefront of pioneering research, committed to pushing the boundaries of knowledge across various disciplines. With state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative culture, we foster an environment where creativity and innovation thrive. Join our vibrant community of scholars dedicated to making impactful contributions to society and cascade your knowledge and practical experience gained in the UK in Vietnam at the end of the fellowship.
The University of Kent (UoK) offers a welcoming, energetic, culturally diverse and culturally rich environment. Campus life at Canterbury revolves around six colleges, each with their own social spaces and recreational facilities, the Templeman Library, Sports Centre, the Gulbenkian arts centre and the Mandela Building (home of Kent Union) – all set among green and tranquil open spaces. Historic Canterbury city is just a 25 minute walk (10 minute bus ride) from Campus. London is an hour away by high-speed train and we are also the closest UK city to mainland Europe, facilitating easy access to Paris (and beyond) in as little as 2 hours.
About the British Council International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF):
The International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) is designed to enable potential and foster prosperity. It puts research and innovation at the heart of our international relationships, supporting UK researchers and innovators to work with peers around the world on the major themes of our time: planet, health, tech, and talent. The fund is managed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and delivered by a consortium of the UK’s leading research and innovation bodies, which include: UK Research and Innovation (comprising the 7 research councils, Innovate UK and Research England), the UK Academies, the British Council, the Met Office, the National Physical Laboratory, the UK Atomic Energy Authority, and Universities UK International.
Position Overview:
We are offering a unique opportunity for three highly motivated individuals to join either the Kent Business School or the School of Biosciences as Early Career Research Fellows. The successful candidates will have expertise in analytics (alias Operational Research) or in biosciences, and will engage in cutting-edge research under the mentorship of leading experts in one of the three following research areas.
- Research Area 1 (Analytics). Flood Resilience: Integrating artificial intelligence, analytics and participatory approaches to drive inclusive flood mitigation decisions in Vietnam’s urban and rural areas.
- Research Area 2 (Analytics). Sustainable transport: Optimizing infrastructure investments through data-driven analytics for sustainable mobility, logistics and climate-resilient transport in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam.
- Research Area 3 (Biosciences). Crop resilience: Genetic informed improvement of the medicinal plant Centella asiatica, towards climate resilient production of anticancer compounds in rural areas of Vietnam.
These fellowships provide a platform for professional development, offering exposure to interdisciplinary collaborations and opportunities to work with industry and government stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct independent research within the designated area.
- Seek opportunities to apply research findings by engaging with relevant stakeholders.
- Publish findings in reputable academic journals and present at conferences.
- Engage in continuous professional development.
- Contribute to the intellectual life of the hosting research group through seminars and workshops.
- Cascade the practical knowledge gained during the Fellowship to key stakeholders in Vietnam
Eligibility:
- Be a permanent resident of Vietnam
- Be an Early Career Researcher[1], with a PhD degree in a relevant field (already completed or close to completion).
- Not currently in receipt of financial support or funding towards any other programme in the UK from any other sources.
- Meet the English language requirement of the University of Kent (see here: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/apply/english-language-requirements).
- Have a background or a proven interest in the proposed research area.
- Be willing to demonstrate future contribution to capacity-building and socio-economic advancement through the benefits achieved after completing the fellowship programme.
Benefits:
- Fellowship bursary payment of £30,000 for the 12 month period.
- A £10k budget for the 12 month period for bespoke advanced training, short internships and conference attendance.
- Financial support (~£6k) to cover travel expenses (return economy-class travel from home country to UK), visa, insurance and other ad-hoc costs (e.g., IELTS, NHS surcharges).
- Access to cutting-edge research facilities and resources (e.g., library, labs, software, journals).
- Support for accompanying dependents.
- Career development support through the Researcher Development Programme of the UoK’s Graduate and Researcher College.
- Access to mentors from the supervisors’ Vietnam analytics and biosciences academic networks to facilitate their career launch upon return to Vietnam.
- Access to mentors from analytics and biosciences women networks (e.g., WORAN, WISDOM) to support female fellows.
- Networking opportunities with renowned scholars and industry leaders in relevant research and innovation areas.
- “Honorary Academic” status upon leaving the University of Kent.
Application Process:
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application by email to the Post-award Officer Natural Sciences (natsri@kent.ac.uk). Applications need to include the following documents to be considered:
- Curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting academic achievements and research experience.
- Statement of research interests, plans and career aspirations.
- Contact information for two references who can attest to the candidate’s qualifications.
Deadline for Applications: 15 July 2024
We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply, as we strive to foster gender balance and representation in academia.
Join us in shaping the future of research and making a difference in the world by contributing to the achievements of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Take the next step in your academic journey by applying for this exciting Early Career Fellowship today!
For additional information about research areas 1 and 2, contact Prof Maria Paola Scaparra (m.p.scaparra@kent.ac.uk). For research area 3, contact Prof Michelle Garrett (m.d.garrett@kent.ac.uk).
[1] Early Career Researchers (ECRs) have completed or are close to completion of their PhD, potentially waiting for their final viva voce examination, which must be passed prior to taking up the award. ECRs will not have held a permanent academic post or a post with a research-related element, or one which allowed them to supervise PhD students or submit research grants as a principal investigator. Time spent in teaching-only roles or academic related roles does not affect ECR status, provided no research element was part of the role. If a researcher does not hold a PhD but has research experience equivalent to a PhD holder and works in a field where a PhD is not a prerequisite for established research activity, they can still be considered eligible. Participants from for-profit organisations cannot be funded.
As we move toward greater inclusivity for ECRs from a wide range of backgrounds, we are no longer counting years spent in a specific career stage. Career breaks and alternative trajectories to an early academic career are all considered outside the definition of career stage.