The David Richards Junior Research Fellowship in Economic History

Wadham College, University of Oxford, invites applications for the David Richards Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) in Economic History, to be held from September 2026 to August 2029. This fixed-term post provides an opportunity for an outstanding early-career academic to pursue independent research and become part of the intellectual community at Wadham. The Fellowship is intended to support promising scholars who are completing or have recently completed a PhD in Economic History.

The JRF was established through the generosity of the late David Richards, an alumnus of Wadham College, and his family. The current appointment will be the fourth in the series. The Richards Fellow will join a vibrant research environment that includes two Richards doctoral students and Fellows across history, economics, and related disciplines. The position aims to strengthen Wadham’s tradition in economic history, a field with deep roots in the College. Notable alumni include Henry Phelps Brown, the first Professor of the Economics of Labour at LSE, and Roderick Floud, pioneer of British anthropometrics. Previous Richards Fellows—Judy Stephenson, Rebecca Simson, and Robert Yee—have made major scholarly contributions in early modern wages, African postcolonial development, and European business and financial history, respectively.

The Fellow’s principal duty will be to conduct self-directed research within the broad field of economic history, demonstrating independence and scholarly distinction. They will also be encouraged to engage with the academic life of the College, including supporting students in undergraduate and graduate programmes. Possible contributions may include acting as a graduate advisor, supervising theses, offering optional tutorials, facilitating seminars, and participating in undergraduate admissions. The Fellow will also be expected to submit annual research progress reports to the Academic Policy Committee.

While there are no formal teaching obligations, the Fellow may teach up to six hours per week in term time. They will also participate in seminars, including those hosted by the Economic and Social History group at Oxford, which runs two weekly seminar series and several postgraduate programmes (MSc, MPhil, DPhil). The postholder will be encouraged to take advantage of professional development courses through the Oxford Centre for Teaching and Learning, designed to prepare early-career academics for permanent posts.

Applicants should hold, or be close to completing, a doctorate in Economic History. They must show evidence of outstanding academic achievement, a strong record of independent research, and the potential to make a significant contribution to the discipline. Excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills are essential, as is a willingness to participate in College administration and academic life.

The post is salaried on the University’s Grade 7 scale (£39,424–£47,779), with annual increments and cost-of-living adjustments. Additional benefits include pension contributions under the University Superannuation Scheme (USS), a study room in College, dining privileges in the Senior Common Room, research allowances of up to £1,274 per year, and access to accommodation at a reduced stipend rate.

Applications, including a cover letter, research statement, CV, and three references, must be submitted by Monday, 1 December 2025, to the Warden’s Executive Assistant (warden.ea@wadham.ox.ac.uk). Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview on 26 January 2026. Wadham College welcomes applications from all backgrounds and is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion in recruitment and academic life.

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