Early Career Research Fellowship in Archaeology, Anthropology, Sociology, Geography; Social Science

Applications are invited for an Early Career Research Fellowship in either Archaeology, Anthropology, Sociology or Geography (Social Science). This will normally be tenable for three years from 1st October 2027.

Churchill College includes a significant community of postdocs – around 75 in all, including Early Career Research Fellows, Teaching By-Fellows, and Postdoctoral By-Fellows. They are all full members of the Senior Common Room with generous dining rights, access to sports and music facilities, and varied opportunities for participation in the academic and social life of the College. The Early Career Research Fellow will receive a salary at spine point 31 of the University’s salary scale (£29,497 p.a. as of August 2025) and in addition dining and accommodation entitlements are attached to the position (see further particulars).

Research expenses can also be claimed up to £1000 p.a. The position involves no formal teaching requirement, although it is hoped that appointees will participate in mentoring postgraduate students or contribute to the College’s academic mission in other ways. Opportunities for undergraduate teaching may be available in some subjects. The prime duty of a Research Fellow is to pursue research and they will be expected to provide a written report on the progress of their research each year.

The Fellowship is open to graduates of any University with no age limit. Candidates are expected to have a PhD (or equivalent research experience) by the commencement of the Fellowship on 1st October 2027. Appointments will be made on the basis of academic distinction and potential contribution to the academic community at Churchill College. The Fellowship is intended to be an early (first or second) post-doctoral position appropriate to the start of an academic career.

Candidates are advised that they are responsible for checking their eligibility to take up the post under UK immigration rules:

Churchill College, Clare College, Fitzwilliam College, Murray Edwards College, and Trinity Hall operate a Joint Application Scheme for Early Career Research Fellowships, with a total of eight Fellowships offered for 2027.

Full information regarding all the Fellowships on offer, further particulars and registration details will be available at the Joint Application Scheme website w/c 5 October 2026.

All applications to be submitted online by Monday 9 November 2026.

Applications will be considered by all Colleges offering Fellowships in the relevant field. Competition is likely to be intense; in 2025 almost 1300 applications were received.

£29,497 p.a