STFC Particle Physics Grants Panel (Theory): member vacancies

• Closing date: 27 April 2026, 11:59pm UK time
• Number of positions: Five members including the chair of the panel
• Length of term: Three years
• Time commitment: Up to four full days and two to three half days to attend panel meetings. In-person attendance may be required for some meetings
• Remuneration: £170 per day for members, £230 per day for the chair
• Outcomes communicated: November 2026

As a member of the panel, you will represent the needs of the whole Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)-funded UK particle physics community.

You will provide a link between our Science Board, the community and STFC.

Who we’re looking for

STFC is looking for capable and driven individuals who are committed to working with the particle physics community.

You will be expected to:

• meet the commitments and attendance requirements of the panel
• work across research disciplines
• adhere to UK Research and Innovation and STFC’s equality, diversity and inclusion policies and procedures

We welcome applications from across particle physics and in particular from individuals with expertise in the areas of:

• cosmology
• lattice
• strings
• phenomenology
• quantum chromodynamics

What you’ll be doing

The panel will:

• assess and make recommendations to the STFC Executive and Science Board for research awards in particle physics (theory)
• take account, as appropriate, any strategic advice provided by STFC
• take account, as appropriate, the recommendations of external reviewers and the conclusion of specialist peer review panels
• provide clear concise feedback to applicants
• advise the Science Board and Executive as required on all issues relating to research grants, including monitoring the level of funding allocated to grants per round
• liaise with other bodies as necessary
• carry out other tasks associated with peer review as the Executive might require

Specialist peer review panels may be convened by the Executive.

The panels will advise on consolidated grants, contiguous groups of research requests, or research requests which are judged (on the basis of cost or propriety) to warrant such separate, in-depth assessment.

Our handbook for members of STFC’s advisory bodies will help you to understand our expectations of a panel member. The handbook also includes useful information on other topics, such as:

• equality and diversity
• conflicts of interest
• confidentiality
• our policy on travel, subsistence, and remunerated meeting fees

How to apply

Read the application guidance documents, which include:

• a preview of the application form
• questions and answers from a webinar we held in 2021
• testimonies from members of STFC panels, boards and committees

Apply using the online form on the UKRI Engagement Hub.

How we’ll assess your application

Applications will be assessed against the following selection criteria.

You should demonstrate how you meet these criteria in your application:

• relevant scientific expertise in one or more of the areas outlined
• relevant panel experience, or demonstration of key skills suitable to service
• demonstrable commitment to UK Research and Innovation’s values and objectives
• experience of assessing grant applications or peer review, or demonstration of relevant key skills
• skills in participating and balancing views, arguments and interests of other participants
• an understanding of the UK and international context to their area of theoretical particle physics

All applications will be assessed based on STFC panel recruitment guidelines and in consultation with the panel chair.

Further information

Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI)

We are committed to the principles of fair and transparent decision-making, promoting EDI.

In addition to UK Research and Innovation principles on EDI, STFC continues to develop a range of measures and objectives around EDI.

We have undertaken an equality, diversity and inclusion impact assessment for this opportunity (see ‘STFC membership call: equality, diversity and inclusion impact assessment‘ in the application guidance documents).

Appointments to the advisory panel are made on merit.

However, we are keen to maintain diversity in its membership.

We especially welcome applications from:

• women
• those with a disability
• members of minority ethnic groups

Last updated: 11 March 2026