Cambridge Research Fellowship – Arts & Humanities 2025

About the Fellowship

Newnham College, University of Cambridge, invites applications from outstanding women scholars for a Research Fellowship in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. This three-year fixed-term fellowship, beginning 1 October 2026, offers early-career researchers the opportunity to pursue independent research in a world-leading academic environment. Fellows join a vibrant intellectual community, gaining access to interdisciplinary exchange and the support of established scholars across the University. Open to women of all nationalities and backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups, the fellowship provides a highly competitive stipend and research freedom, with optional teaching and mentoring opportunities. Designed to nurture the next generation of academic leaders, this prestigious programme enables researchers to establish themselves while contributing to the diverse academic life of Newnham College and the University of Cambridge.

Fellowship / Details

Position Title: Research Fellowship in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Host Institution: Newnham College, University of Cambridge
Administering Body / Funding Agency: Newnham College
Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
Research Field(s): Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences – including Architecture, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, History of Art, Human, Social and Political Sciences (Archaeology, Anthropology, Politics and International Studies, Social Sciences)
Fellowship Type: Fixed-term, Full-time, Early-career Research Fellowship
Level: Early-career women researchers
Fellowship Duration: Three years (non-renewable, non-extendable)
Expected Start Date: 1 October 2026
Working Hours: Full-time
Funding/Compensation: Stipend of £38,784 (for 2025/26), rising annually as per scale
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD awarded or thesis submitted by 31 August 2025 in a relevant Arts, Humanities, or Social Sciences field

Supported Research Fields / Areas

Architecture
Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
History of Art
Human, Social and Political Sciences (including Archaeology, Anthropology, Politics, International Studies, and Social Sciences)

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD awarded or thesis submitted by 31 August 2025
Women graduates from any university worldwide
Early-career researchers with limited postdoctoral experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Evidence of strong academic potential and independent research ability
Willingness to engage with the intellectual and collegiate life of Newnham College

Not Eligible:

Applicants submitting their thesis after 31 August 2025
Those beyond the early-career research stage

Fellowship/Job Benefits

Annual stipend starting at £38,784 (2025/26)
Opportunity to pursue independent research in Cambridge
Membership of the Newnham College Governing Body
Optional participation in teaching, mentoring, and admissions activities
Supportive academic community and access to interdisciplinary research networks

Key Responsibilities

Conduct independent research within the Arts, Humanities, or Social Sciences
Engage with the academic community at Newnham College and the University of Cambridge
Contribute to the intellectual life of the College, with optional small-scale teaching or mentoring