The School of Social and Political Science (SPS), University of Edinburgh, is offering outstanding early-career academics a prestigious chance to pursue independent research and advance their academic careers in the UK through the Leverhulme Early Career Fellowships 2025–2026. These fully supported fellowships allow gifted researchers to conduct a significant, publishable research project at one of the best universities in the world under the direction of eminent experts.
The University of Edinburgh is one of the oldest and most famous universities in the world, having been founded in 1583. Located in the historic capital of Scotland, it is renowned for its innovative teaching, interdisciplinary research, and quality. Distinguished academics from a wide range of disciplines, including politics, sociology, anthropology, international relations, and social policy, are housed at the School of Social and Political Science (SPS), which provides postdoctoral researchers with a vibrant and cooperative atmosphere.
A highly competitive and esteemed opportunity for up-and-coming scholars looking to establish themselves as independent researchers is the Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship 2025–2026. With extensive financial support, knowledgeable guidance, and entry to the University of Edinburgh’s top-notch research facilities, the fellowship offers a fantastic opportunity to further a career in the social and political sciences.
Host Country: UK
University: University of Edinburgh
Opportunity Type: Post Doctorate, Fellowship, PhD
Subject: Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Anthropology, Politics
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
Academic Qualification:
- Must hold a PhD or have submitted their doctoral thesis for viva voce no earlier than 19 February 2022.
- Must have submitted their thesis for viva by 19 February 2026.
Career Stage:
- Applicants must be within four years of their PhD viva date.
- Career breaks (e.g., maternity leave, illness, or family responsibilities) are eligible for exemption from this limit.
Nationality:
- Open to candidates of all nationalities, but fellows must reside in the UK throughout the fellowship period.
Institutional Affiliation:
- Must either:
- Hold a degree from a UK higher education institution, or
- Hold an academic position in the UK that began at least four months before the application deadline.
- School of Social and Political Science (SPS) Criteria:
- Applicants should have an existing connection with the University of Edinburgh or SPS, demonstrated by one or more of the following:
- Previous or current employment at the university for a minimum of three months.
- Undergraduate or postgraduate study affiliation.
- Ongoing research collaboration with SPS faculty members.
Research Record:
- Must show a strong research track record, including at least two peer-reviewed academic publications as lead or sole author.
Exclusions:
- Individuals holding permanent academic positions are not eligible.
- Those who have served as principal investigator on a three-year postdoctoral project are also ineligible.
Benefits:
Comprehensive Salary Support:
The fellowship provides full salary funding for three years, allowing researchers to focus entirely on their independent academic projects without financial constraints.
Research and Institutional Funding:
The Leverhulme Trust covers research-related expenses and offers institutional contributions, ensuring that both the fellow and host department have the necessary resources to support high-quality research.
Dedicated Mentorship:
Fellows receive personalized guidance and mentorship from experienced University of Edinburgh faculty members, helping them refine their research agenda and academic profile.
Access to Research Infrastructure:
Fellows benefit from state-of-the-art university facilities, extensive library resources, and participation in a vibrant interdisciplinary research community within the School of Social and Political Science (SPS).
Career Development Opportunities:
The fellowship includes structured professional development and training programs aimed at helping researchers build networks, enhance teaching skills, and prepare for permanent academic positions in leading universities worldwide.
Deadline: 01 January 2026
