About the Fellowship
The British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship is a prestigious opportunity designed to support outstanding early career researchers in the humanities and social sciences. This three-year fellowship empowers scholars to focus on completing a significant, publishable piece of research while benefiting from an active, supportive academic community. Hosted at the University of Liverpool, the fellowship provides access to world-class mentorship, interdisciplinary networks, and professional development resources. Fellows also receive tailored support to develop competitive applications, enhance research impact, and boost career prospects towards permanent academic roles. By fostering original, collaborative, and globally significant research, this fellowship aligns with the British Academy’s mission to advance knowledge and public understanding.
Fellowship / Details
- Position Title: British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Host Institution: University of Liverpool
- Administering Body / Funding Agency: The British Academy
- Location: Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Research Field(s): Humanities and Social Sciences
- Fellowship Type: Postdoctoral Fellowship (Full-time)
- Level: Early-career
- Fellowship Duration: 3 years
- Expected Start Date: Autumn 2026 (following final notification)
- Working Hours: As per institutional norms
- Funding/Compensation: Full salary support plus £6,000 research expenses over three years
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Supported Research Fields / Areas
All areas within the humanities and social sciences, excluding primarily practice-based outputs (e.g., musical composition, performance, visual practice, creative writing, filmmaking), unless integrated into a critical or historical research project.
- Archaeology
- History
- Philosophy
- English
- Law
- Politics
- Sociology and Social Policy
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Doctorate awarded between 1 April 2023 and 1 April 2026 (exceptions for maternity leave, illness, etc.)
- Supported by a UK host institution
- No prior appointment to a permanent academic post
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong publication record, evidence of impactful research, and potential for academic leadership
Not Eligible:
- Applicants with prior permanent academic appointments
- Candidates who did not progress to stage two in previous applications
Fellowship/Job Benefits
- Monthly salary funded for 3 years
- £6,000 research expenses over fellowship period
- Health insurance and institutional support services
- Research allowance and professional development resources
- Office space and integration into research communities
- Tailored mentorship and proposal development support
Key Responsibilities
- Complete a major piece of publishable research
- Engage in teaching and mentoring as appropriate
- Participate in interdisciplinary research activities
- Contribute to public engagement and academic outreach
- Develop skills for long-term academic career progression
Application Process
How to Apply:
Submit an Expression of Interest (EoI) to the relevant University of Liverpool School Research Team via email.
Required Documents:
- Completed EoI proforma
- Brief CV (max 2 pages)
- Publication list (max 1 page)
Important Dates:
- EoI Deadline: Wednesday 16 July 2025, 5pm
- Shortlisting Notification: Monday 18 August 2025
- Outline Application Deadline: Wednesday 1 October 2025
- Stage Two Deadline: February 2026 (by invitation only)
- Fellowship Start Date: Autumn 2026
Where to Apply:
- Institution Website: University of Liverpool
- Official Fellowship Notification: British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship|University of Liverpool
- Apply Online Here: Academy Portal
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