British Council ISPF Early Career Fellowship (Vietnam)
We invite outstanding early-career researchers from Vietnam to apply for a prestigious Early Career Fellowship, under the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF), managed by the UK Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology and delivered by the British Council.
This Early Career Research Fellowship in Engineering & Digital Technologies is your opportunity to develop your research career, make a global impact, and thrive in a dynamic, intellectually rich environment.
The Faculty of Engineering & Digital Technologies delivers an exciting mix of core engineering disciplines and creative technologies that complement each other, delivering innovative solutions with high sector impacts.
Our academics and researchers are producing and disseminating research that harnesses the benefits of innovative engineering and sustainable principles, within a framework promoting economic growth, supporting enhanced health and well-being - shaping a smarter, greener future.
Overview
We are offering a unique opportunity for three highly motivated individuals to join the University of Bradford as Early Career Research Fellows. The successful candidates will engage in cutting-edge research under the mentorship of leading experts in one of the following priority research areas:
Research Area 1: Transformative Technologies
- Future telecommunications,
- Satellite communications,
- Artificial Intelligence and machine learning,
- Cyber security.
Research Area 2: Resilient Planet
- Sustainable construction materials and structures,
- Carbon emission reduction in the construction industry.
- Circular economy in the construction industry,
- Resilient materials and structures to extreme weather and climate impact.
What you will be doing
- 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 university environment, e.g. invited guest lectures, seminars, workshops and early career researcher forums.
- Cascade the practical knowledge gained during the fellowship to key stakeholders.
Qualifications
First degree in science, computing or engineering related field.
Have recently completed or are close to completion of your PhD in a related field, potentially waiting for your final viva voce examination, which must be passed prior to taking up the fellowship.
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 four major themes of our time: planet, health, technologies, and talent.
Grants under this programme allow early career researchers to collaborate internationally, and gain access to new research environments, facilities, knowledge, and expertise, to enhance the quality of their research environments and enable them to translate research and innovation into economic and societal benefit.
- Be a permanent resident of Vietnam.
- Be an Early Career Researcher.*
- Not currently in receipt of financial support or funding towards any other programme in the UK from any other sources.
- Not be from a for-profit organisation.
- 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.
- We encourage Early Career Fellowships from a variety of backgrounds, including those whose backgrounds are underrepresented in their research field, to participate.
- Be eligible under UK Government Visa requirements.
- Be eligible under our English Language requirements.
*Return to "Be an Early Career Researcher."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 permanent 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.
At the University of Bradford, we accept people for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, ethnicity, faith, sexual orientation or socio-economic background and whether you’re pregnant or on maternity leave.
In line with the University’s commitment to equality charters including Athena Swan, Race Equality Charter, Disability Confident and Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme, we welcome applications from people identifying with these characteristics. The University has a number of staff networks which provide peer support and safe spaces for staff who hold these and other identities.
The University of Bradford is committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and Adults at Risk through robust safer recruitment practices.
What we offer
- A visiting researcher stipend of £35,000 (tax free) for 12-month fellowship.
- Return economy-class travel from Vietnam to the UK
- Costs for visa and insurance / NHS surcharge
- A budget allocated to research related expenses (consumables, travel and subsistence within the UK, or other expenses related directly to the research project).
- An additional allowance for accompanying dependents.
- A budget for ad hoc costs.
- Office and desk space in the University, with an in-person work environment that includes communal kitchen, social and lunch areas, break-out and meeting rooms.
- Family-friendly policies
- Great campus facilities including:
- Unique fitness centre
- Eye clinic
- Physiotherapy & sports rehabilitation,
- Counselling & mental health services
- Food & drink outlets
Living costs in Bradford
Bradford offers cheaper living when compared to nearby cities.
Here are a few examples of some typical living costs. These will give you some guidance on how much money you'll need as a fellow in Bradford. The minimum costs in the table below have been estimated by our support teams and will vary according to lifestyle, circumstances and time of year.
| Estimated minimum living costs for a single student in Bradford 2025-26 | 42 weeks | 51 weeks |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation, depending on type | £3,780 to £7,435 | £4,335 to £8,936 |
| Average utilities (if not included in rent) | £1,256 | £1,525 |
| Food (based on £60 per week) | £2,520 | £3,060 |
| Toiletries, laundry and household (based on £15 per week) | £630 | £765 |
| Books, stationery, photocopying and printing (based on £10 per week) | £420 | £510 |
| Mobile phone costs (based on £10 per week) | £420 | £510 |
| Local travel – if required (based on £20 per week) | £840 | £1,020 |
| Set-up costs | £500 | £500 |
| Insurance for personal possessions (included in halls of residence rent) | £70 | £70 |
| Estimated minimum total for guidance only | £10,436 to £14,091 | £12,295 to £16,896 |
Additional information
If you would like to find out more or are interested in applying, please email Dr Vuong Mai (v.mai@bradford.ac.uk), Dr Amna Qureshi (a.qureshi19@bradford.ac.uk) and Prof. Ashraf Ashour (a.f.ashour@bradford.ac.uk). We would love to hear from you.
Key deadlines
The tentative timeline for the fellowship is as follows:
| Key date | Action |
|---|---|
| 15 August 2025 | Deadline for applications submission by potential fellows. Any applications received after this date are not considered. |
| 31 October 2025 | Short-listed fellows are invited for interviews |
| 30 November 2025 | Short-listed fellows are interviewed and successful candidates receive their offers |
| January / February 2026 | Fellows arrive in the UK |
| February-March 2026 | Fellowship projects commence in the UK |
| February-March 2027 | Conclusion of the Fellowship projects |
Application process
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application by email to: ISPF-ECRF-Vietnam@bradford.ac.uk by the deadline of 15 August 2025. Applications need to include the following THREE documents:
- A two-page academic CV, highlighting your research experience, achievements, and relevant skills.
- A two-page research statement, explaining your research work and aspiration to take this fellowship.
- A covering letter, highlighting your suitability to the role.