UK University of Edinburgh Leverhulme Early Career Fellowships 2026 (Fully Funded)
The Leverhulme Early Career Fellowships 2025/26 at the School of Social and Political Science (SPS), University of Edinburgh, offer outstanding early-career researchers a prestigious opportunity to develop independent research and advance their academic careers in the UK. These fully funded fellowships provide a platform for exceptional scholars to undertake a significant piece of publishable work under the mentorship of leading researchers at one of the world’s top universities.
About the University of Edinburgh
Founded in 1583, the University of Edinburgh is one of the oldest and most respected universities in the world. Located in Scotland’s historic capital, the university is globally recognized for excellence in teaching, interdisciplinary research, and innovation. Its School of Social and Political Science (SPS) is home to leading scholars across diverse disciplines including politics, sociology, anthropology, international relations, and social policy, offering a vibrant intellectual community for postdoctoral researchers.
Degree Level
- Degree Level: Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Duration: 3 years (full-time), with part-time options for health or family reasons
- Location: Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Funding Body: Leverhulme Trust
Available Subjects
The fellowship is open to candidates whose research aligns with the social and political sciences, including but not limited to:
- Sociology
- Social Policy
- Politics and International Relations
- Science, Technology and Innovation Studies
- Social Anthropology
- Social Work
- Centre of African Studies
Benefits
The Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship offers substantial benefits to support academic development:
- Full salary funding for three years.
- Research expenses and institutional contributions provided by the Leverhulme Trust.
- Mentorship support from University of Edinburgh faculty members.
- Access to world-class facilities and a vibrant research community.
- Professional development opportunities aimed at securing permanent academic roles.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
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 should be within 4 years of their successful viva date.
- Exemptions allowed for career breaks (maternity leave, illness, or family commitments).
Nationality:
- Candidates of any nationality are eligible, but must reside in the UK during the fellowship.
Institutional Affiliation:
- Must hold a degree from a UK higher education institution, or
- Hold an academic position in the UK that started at least 4 months before the closing date.
School (SPS) Criteria:
- Prior association with the University of Edinburgh or SPS, such as:
- Prior or current employment at the university for at least 3 months.
- Study affiliation at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
- Ongoing research collaboration with SPS faculty.
Research Record:
- Must demonstrate a proven record of research with at least two peer-reviewed academic publications as leading author.
Exclusions:
- Applicants holding permanent academic positions are not eligible.
- Those who have been Principal Investigators on a three-year postdoctoral project are not eligible.
Application Procedure
1. Identify a Mentor
- Applicants must first identify and secure a mentor from the School of Social and Political Science (SPS) who agrees to support their project.
2. Register Interest
- Email your expression of interest to the SPS Research Office at ssps.research@ed.ac.uk as soon as possible.
3. Submit Documents to SPS
Submit the following documents to SPS by Monday, 10 November 2025:
- 2-page project proposal
- 1-page bibliography/references
- 2-page academic CV
- 1-page mentor support statement
All documents should be in Calibri or Arial (size 11, 2 cm margins).
4. Internal Review
The School Panel will assess and select candidates. Decisions will be communicated by mid-December 2025. Selected candidates will receive detailed feedback and support for final submission.
5. Full Application Submission
- 1 January 2026: Leverhulme Trust application portal opens.
- 29 January 2026: Full draft applications with budgets due for internal review.
- 19 February 2026: Final submission deadline to Leverhulme Trust.
- May 2026: Final results announced by the Trust.
Conclusion
The Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship 2025/26 at the University of Edinburgh is a prestigious and competitive opportunity for early-career researchers aiming to establish themselves as independent scholars. With full funding, strong mentorship, and access to world-class research facilities, this fellowship offers an exceptional pathway toward an academic career in the social and political sciences.
