Applications are open for the Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowships 2026 at Oxford’s Department of Sociology. Submit your Expression of Interest by 1 December 2025 for a chance to undertake a prestigious three-year research fellowship.
About the Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowships 2026
The Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowships provide a unique opportunity for outstanding early career researchers to pursue an independent research project in a stimulating academic environment. The fellowship supports promising scholars who are building a research profile but have not yet held a full-time academic post.
The program encourages original, ambitious, and cross-disciplinary research that advances social and cultural understanding. Fellows are expected to produce significant publishable work that contributes to their academic field and career development.
About Oxford Department of Sociology
The Department of Sociology at the University of Oxford is internationally recognized for its excellence in research, teaching, and innovation. It fosters a collaborative and supportive academic environment, home to world-leading scholars and cutting-edge projects in areas such as:
- Social inequalities and demography
- Digital societies and technology
- Political sociology and social policy
- Migration, identity, and global change
By hosting Leverhulme Fellows, the department provides mentorship, interdisciplinary engagement, and access to Oxford’s vast academic resources.
Fellowship Benefits and Funding Details
The Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship 2026 offers partial salary support and research funding for up to three years. Oxford Sociology co-funds successful candidates to make the fellowship possible.
Duration and Tenure
- Fellowships are tenable for up to 3 years, on a full-time basis.
- Fellows are expected to be based in Oxford throughout the fellowship period.
Financial Support Structure
- Year 1: Up to 100% salary coverage
- Years 2–3: Up to 50% salary coverage, with the remaining cost supported by the department
- Research Expenses: Up to £6,000 per annum for project-related costs (e.g., data collection, travel, publication fees)
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Who Can Apply?
The scheme is open to early career researchers who:
- Hold a doctoral degree or expect to have submitted their PhD thesis by the application deadline.
- Have not yet held a permanent academic position.
- Demonstrate a strong record of research and publication potential.
Academic and Professional Criteria
- Applicants must propose an original, feasible, and high-quality research project.
- The proposed project should align with the department’s research themes.
- Applicants must identify a faculty mentor within the Department of Sociology who supports their application.
How to Apply: Expression of Interest (EOI) Process
Oxford Sociology invites Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for consideration before final submission to the Leverhulme Trust.
Documents Required
Applicants must email the following documents to research@sociology.ox.ac.uk by 5pm, Monday 1 December 2025:
- Completed EOI Form (downloadable from the department’s website)
- Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)
- Proposed Research Statement (max. 2 pages) — outlining objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and long-term career goals
- Mentor Statement — confirming support from a Department of Sociology faculty member
Submission Deadline and Contact
- Expression of Interest Deadline: 5pm, Monday 1 December 2025
- Funder’s Deadline (Leverhulme Trust): 4pm, Thursday 19 February 2026
For queries, contact: research@sociology.ox.ac.uk
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Application Timeline and Important Dates
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Expression of Interest Deadline | 1 December 2025 (5pm) |
| Department Review & Shortlisting | Week commencing 15 December 2025 |
| Notification of Successful EOIs | Mid-December 2025 |
| Leverhulme Trust Submission Deadline | 19 February 2026 (4pm) |
| Fellowship Commencement | Autumn 2026 |
Tips for Writing a Strong Expression of Interest
A well-prepared EOI demonstrates your vision, clarity, and alignment with Oxford Sociology’s research goals. Here are some key tips:
- Be Specific: Define your research question clearly and link it to broader sociological debates.
- Show Feasibility: Explain methods and timeline realistically.
- Highlight Innovation: Emphasize how your project contributes to existing literature.
- Demonstrate Fit: Show how your research complements the department’s expertise.
- Engage Your Mentor Early: Their input can strengthen your proposal considerably.
- Proofread Thoroughly: Keep all documents within page limits and free from jargon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the aim of the Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowships?
The scheme helps early career researchers establish an independent academic career by funding original, publishable research.
2. Do I need a mentor to apply?
Yes. Applicants must have a faculty member from Oxford Sociology who agrees to act as their mentor throughout the fellowship.
3. Can international applicants apply?
Yes, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and are eligible to work in the UK.
4. How competitive is the fellowship?
Highly competitive — Oxford Sociology will nominate only a limited number of outstanding candidates for the Leverhulme Trust’s consideration.
5. What happens if I submit after the deadline?
Late submissions will not be accepted. Applicants should ensure all materials are sent before 5pm, 1 December 2025.
6. Who should I contact for support?
Email all queries to research@sociology.ox.ac.uk. The Research Facilitation Team is available to guide applicants.
About the Leverhulme Trust
The Leverhulme Trust is one of the UK’s leading research funders, established to support intellectual curiosity and interdisciplinary innovation. It funds individuals and projects across disciplines, emphasizing originality, significance, and impact.
Why Apply Through Oxford Sociology?
- Prestige: Join a world-class university with a strong research culture.
- Mentorship: Work alongside globally recognized sociologists.
- Resources: Access to extensive libraries, data labs, and collaborative networks.
- Career Development: Enhance your profile for future academic positions.
Oxford’s Department of Sociology offers an unparalleled environment for fellows to develop research excellence and professional skills.
Conclusion
The Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowships 2026 at Oxford Sociology represent a remarkable opportunity for emerging researchers to advance their careers within one of the world’s leading institutions. If you’re an ambitious scholar with a groundbreaking research idea, submit your Expression of Interest by 1 December 2025 to join Oxford’s vibrant academic community.
For more details, visit the official pages of:
- Oxford Department of Sociology: www.sociology.ox.ac.uk
- Leverhulme Trust: www.leverhulme.ac.uk
Table of Contents
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