Fellowships for Early Career Researchers 2027 in Humanities: Classics, Ancient History, Modern Languages

Merton College proposes to appoint up to three three-year, fixed-term Early Career Researchers from 1 October 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter in the fields of Classics, Ancient History or Modern Languages. The posts are available to early career researchers and are intended to provide opportunities for the successful applicants to establish a research profile and to help prepare postholders for academic careers. 

The Early Career Researchers are expected to undertake a high-quality programme of original research in one of the subjects specified above, to publicise outcomes and to engage in the academic life of the College. They may also undertake a limited amount of teaching.  

Candidates should hold a recently completed doctorate or be close to completion of a doctorate and will have submitted their thesis no later than three months before the start date of this post i.e. 1^st July 2027.  Those who formally submitted their doctoral thesis for viva voce examination before 1 October 2025 are not eligible for appointment, unless they can show that they have not accumulated two years’ full-time study or research (excluding professional training) before their appointment-date.

Candidates must also have research expertise in their chosen field commensurate with the candidate’s career as demonstrated by a recently completed (or close to being completed) doctoral thesis, published or forthcoming books or articles in refereed journals (as relevant to the candidate’s field), or evidence of such future achievement. A coherent plan for the duration of the appointment of research expected to make a valuable contribution to the candidate’s field is required, as well as evidence of active participation in the successful dissemination of research findings.

The duties and skills required are described in more detail in the further particulars which also contain details of eligibility criteria, how to apply and allowances associated with the Fellowships. These are available via our web site.

To apply for the Fellowships in Humanities please email all of the required documents which are specified in the further particulars to jrfadmin@merton.ox.ac.uk via the above 'Apply' button and then complete the online Application form.

The deadline for candidates to submit any queries in relation to these Further Particulars is 9.00am UK time on Friday 2^nd October 2026. Any enquiries should be directed in the first instance to the HR team at jrfadmin@merton.ox.ac.uk.

The closing date for applications is 9.00am UK Time on Friday 9^th October 2026.

Merton College is an equal opportunities employer.

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