ESRC Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 at the University of Leeds: Fully Funded Research Opportunity for Early Career Scholars in Social Sciences @the University of Leeds: Fully Funded Research Opportunity for Early Career Scholars in Social Sciences

Overview

The ESRC Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 hosted by the University of Leeds provide a prestigious opportunity for early-career researchers in the social sciences to enhance their academic profiles and advance their research careers.

Eligibility

This fellowship targets early-career researchers who meet strict eligibility criteria:

• Completed a PhD at a UK research organization, or submitted their thesis and passed their viva with minor corrections before the application deadline.
• Must have no more than 12 months of active postdoctoral research experience.
• Research must align with social sciences disciplines and be hosted within an ESRC-accredited Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP).

Benefits

• Full funding for the duration of the fellowship.
• Structured training in advanced research methods.
• Mentorship from experienced academics.
• Opportunity to publish PhD research and conduct additional limited research (up to 25%).
• Networking opportunities with leading researchers and industry partners.

How to Apply

The application process includes these steps:

• Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an initial proposal, CV, and research outline, followed by internal selection.
• Full Proposal Submission: Shortlisted candidates submit a detailed research proposal, mentor support letter, and supporting documents.
• Institutional Review: Applications are reviewed by the DTP and funding body.
• Final Decision: Results are typically announced mid-2026, with the fellowship beginning in October 2026.

More details can be found on the official application page.

Deadline

• Full Application Deadline: 25 March 2026 (16:00 GMT).