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.