University of Oxford British Academy | Postdoctoral Fellowship | 2026-2027
Organization
University of Oxford British Academy
Duration
36 Months (3 Years)
Overview
About the University of Oxford
The University of Oxford is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning, with a history spanning over nine centuries. It is internationally recognized for its excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and academic leadership. Oxford consistently ranks among the top universities globally, attracting scholars and students from diverse backgrounds.
The Oxford School of Global and Area Studies (OSGA) serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research, bringing together world-class scholars across the Humanities and Social Sciences. With a strong emphasis on global perspectives, OSGA fosters collaboration across disciplines such as politics, history, sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies. Its mission is to advance knowledge that addresses pressing global challenges while nurturing the next generation of academic leaders.
About the Fellowship
The British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026–2027 provides exceptional early-career researchers with the opportunity to undertake an independent research project while strengthening their research and teaching experience in a leading university environment.
Hosted by the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies, the fellowship supports scholars undertaking significant, publishable research in the Humanities and Social Sciences. Fellows benefit from academic mentorship, access to Oxford's world-renowned libraries and research facilities, and collaboration with internationally recognized researchers.
The fellowship is funded by the British Academy and provides support for a 36-month research programme, enabling fellows to establish an independent academic profile and improve their prospects for permanent academic appointments.
Research Areas
Research proposals are welcomed across the broad disciplines of Humanities and Social Sciences, including:
- Area Studies
- Global Studies
- Politics and International Relations
- History
- Cultural Studies
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Economics
- Regional and Interdisciplinary Studies
- African, Asian, Middle Eastern, Russian and East European Studies
Why Apply?
- Prestigious British Academy funded fellowship.
- Three years of dedicated research support.
- Opportunity to conduct independent research at the University of Oxford.
- Access to world-class libraries, archives, and research facilities.
- Work alongside internationally renowned academics.
- Develop teaching and research experience.
- Strengthen academic profile for future permanent faculty positions.
- Funding covers salary, research expenses, and eligible fellowship costs.
Selection Process
The fellowship follows a competitive two-stage selection process.
Applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest to the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to present their research proposal before the OSGA Research Committee. Successful candidates will then receive institutional support to submit the final proposal to the British Academy through the official Flexi-Grant system.
Important Dates
Call Opens: 01 July 2026
OSGA Expression of Interest Deadline: 09 July 2026 (09:00)
Shortlisted Candidate Presentations: First Week of August 2026
OSGA Final Proposal Deadline: 03 September 2026
University Submission Deadline: 30 September 2026 (17:00 BST)
Fellowship Start: Between 01 September 2027 and 01 January 2028
How to Apply?
Interested candidates should:
- Review the British Academy eligibility guidelines.
- Submit the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies Expression of Interest before the internal deadline.
- Participate in the internal selection process if shortlisted.
- Submit the final fellowship application through the British Academy Flexi-Grant system after institutional approval.
Location URL
https://maps.google.com/?q=Oxford+School+of+Global+and+Area+Studies+Oxford
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Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should normally have completed their PhD (or equivalent) within the eligibility period specified by the British Academy.
The proposed research project should fall within the Humanities or Social Sciences and align with the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies.
Applicants must satisfy the British Academy eligibility requirements and secure institutional support from the University of Oxford.
Important Dates
| 0 | Call Opens: 01 July 2026 |
| 1 | OSGA Expression of Interest Deadline: 09 July 2026 (09:00) |
| 2 | Shortlisted Candidate Presentations: First Week of August 2026 |
| 3 | OSGA Final Proposal Deadline: 03 September 2026 |
| 4 | University Submission Deadline: 30 September 2026 (17:00 BST) |
| 5 | Fellowship Start: Between 01 September 2027 and 01 January 2028 |
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