The ESRC Postdoctoral Fellowships provide early career researchers with dedicated time and support to consolidate their PhD research, strengthen publications, expand networks, and prepare for long-term careers in social science research.
About the ESRC Postdoctoral Fellowships
Delivered through the UK’s network of ESRC-accredited Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) and Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs), the fellowship embeds researchers within leading institutions where they receive mentoring, professional development, and access to high-quality research environments.
Funding Size
The fellowship supports up to 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time activity. Funding covers the fellow’s salary along with research-related expenses such as travel, training, mentoring, and professional development costs.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must:
- Have completed their PhD in the UK at a research organisation that is part of ESRC’s doctoral training network.
- Have less than 15 months of active postdoctoral experience (full-time equivalent) from passing their viva voce to the competition closing date.
At the submission deadline, applicants must either:
- Have been awarded a PhD, or
- Have submitted their thesis and passed their viva voce with minor corrections, with the expectation that the PhD will be awarded by the fellowship start date.
Applicants requiring major corrections are not eligible unless corrections have been submitted and approved by the competition closing date.
Proposals may be single-discipline or interdisciplinary, but social sciences must constitute at least 50% of fellowship activities.
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Geographic Eligibility
Open to researchers hosted by eligible UK institutions that are part of the ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership or Centre for Doctoral Training network.
Sector or Thematic Focus
Projects must be rooted in social science research. Interdisciplinary proposals are encouraged where social sciences remain central.
Application Process
Applications are submitted through the relevant Doctoral Training Partnership rather than directly to ESRC. Each DTP may operate its own internal review, shortlisting, or expression of interest stage before final submission.
Required Materials
Applicants are typically asked to submit:
- A detailed research proposal
- A CV
- A mentor statement
- A work plan and justification of resources
- Supporting references where required
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Key Dates
- Opening Date: 24 March 2026, 9:00am UK time
- Closing Date: 1 June 2026, 11:59pm UK time
Selection Notes
Applications are assessed through competitive review at departmental and DTP levels using ESRC assessment criteria. Internal university selection rounds may apply before final nomination.