A fellowship built specifically for scholars already working at African universities — funded by an endowment, based in Birmingham, and open only to those currently on the continent.

The University of Birmingham’s School of History and Cultures has opened applications for a Cadbury Postdoctoral Fellowship in African History an 18-month research position with a distinctive eligibility requirement: applicants must currently be based on the African continent and affiliated with an African Higher Education Institution.

Quick Overview

Institution: University of Birmingham, School of History and Cultures
Position: Research Fellow (Cadbury Postdoctoral Fellowship) in African Studies
Job Number: 107675, Grade 7
Location: Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
Salary: £36,636–£46,049, with potential progression to £48,822
Contract: Full time, fixed term until June 2028 (18-month fellowship)
Application Deadline: 1 September 2026 (12:59 AM)

What Makes This Fellowship Distinctive?

This post is funded by an endowment specifically designed to enable staff at sub-Saharan African universities to spend a period of time at the University of Birmingham. As a result, the fellowship is limited to applicants currently based on the African continent and affiliated with an African Higher Education Institution — a deliberately targeted eligibility structure rather than an open international call.

What Will the Fellow Actually Do?

The role centers on:

Focusing on high-quality research and publications in History and/or African Studies
Undertaking research within their own area of historical specialism
Analysing and interpreting research findings
Contributing to the research environment of the Department, School, and University
Contributing to the teaching delivery of History and African Studies programmes

Depending on the candidate, additional duties may include developing research proposals, analysing data, supervising PhD students, convening undergraduate and postgraduate modules, delivering lectures and seminars, and contributing to public engagement activities.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

A PhD focused on the history of Africa and/or African diasporas, examined and passed between 1 June 2021 and 1 June 2026 (candidates awaiting examination are not eligible)
Currently based on the African continent and employed by or affiliated with an African Higher Education Institution
Must either not currently hold a permanent academic position, or submit a statement confirming their home institution will release them for the appointment period
Evidence of research activity and publications appropriate to their postdoctoral career stage
Ability to construct a convincing, achievable research and publication proposal in African History
Ability to contribute to undergraduate and Master’s-level teaching in African Studies and History
Understanding of broader management and administrative processes
Knowledge of the Equality Act 2010’s protected characteristics and duties

A Note on Using AI in Applications

The University is explicit on this point: it wants to see genuine interest and an applicant’s own communication style in the written elements of the application. Applications relying too heavily on AI tools are described as likely to appear generic and lacking the detail needed for assessment — and are unlikely to progress to interview.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted through the University of Birmingham’s official careers portal. For informal enquiries, candidates can contact Juliet Gilbert at j.gilbert.2@bham.ac.uk.

Application Deadline: 1 September 2026, 12:59 AM

A Commitment to Inclusion

The University of Birmingham holds Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter, and Disability Confident accreditations, and operates a dedicated Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Centre focused on making the University a fairer place to work.

Why This Fellowship Stands Out

It’s a rare, targeted funding structure — designed specifically to bring African-based scholars to a UK institution, rather than a generic international postdoc
The 18-month duration offers substantial time for genuine research development and publication
Combining research and teaching responsibilities gives fellows a well-rounded academic experience, not just isolated research time
The salary range is clearly published upfront, offering transparency uncommon in many postdoctoral postings

Final Thoughts

For historians of Africa and the African diaspora currently based at African universities, the Cadbury Postdoctoral Fellowship offers a genuinely distinctive opportunity: funded time in Birmingham, meaningful teaching involvement, and a clear institutional commitment to supporting scholars from the continent.