L’essentiel de l’offre
- Poste : Early Career Researcher Fellowships 2027
- Employeur : Merton College, University of Oxford
- Lieu : Merton College, University of Oxford, Royaume-Uni
- Contrat : CDD 3 ans (Fixed-term)
- Date limite : 9 octobre 2026
- Niveau requis : Doctorat récemment obtenu ou en cours d’achèvement
Contexte
Merton College, University of Oxford is inviting applications for its Early Career Researcher positions for 2027, providing an opportunity for emerging academics to develop their research profiles and prepare for future academic careers. Up to three successful candidates will be appointed to three-year fixed-term positions beginning 1 October 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.
The fellowships are available in Classics, Ancient History and Modern Languages and are designed for early career researchers who have recently completed a doctorate or are close to completing their doctoral studies. The Merton College Early Career Researcher positions are intended to give promising researchers the opportunity to establish an independent research profile while becoming actively involved in the academic life of the College.
Successful applicants will undertake a high-quality programme of original research in one of the eligible subject areas. The positions are particularly suited to researchers seeking to strengthen their academic record and prepare for longer-term careers in higher education. The College expects the appointed researchers to contribute to its intellectual community while maintaining a strong focus on their research programmes. Candidates may also be required to undertake a limited amount of teaching as part of the position.
Fields of Research
The 2027 Early Career Researcher positions are available in three broad academic fields:
- Classics
- Ancient History
- Modern Languages
Applicants should have a research profile that aligns with one of these specified areas. The opportunity may therefore appeal to researchers whose doctoral work and emerging academic publications focus on classical studies, ancient history, languages, literature or related areas within Modern Languages.
Missions et responsabilités
The appointed Early Career Researchers will be expected to undertake original academic research and contribute to the intellectual environment at Merton College. Key activities include:
- Developing a high-quality programme of original research.
- Building an academic research profile.
- Publicising the outcomes of research.
- Participating in the academic life of Merton College.
- Contributing to the College’s intellectual community.
- Undertaking a limited amount of teaching where required.
The combination of research, academic engagement and potential teaching provides an opportunity for early career academics to develop experience that can support future academic appointments.
Profil recherché
The positions are targeted at early career researchers who have recently completed a doctorate or are close to completing one. Candidates who are approaching completion of their doctoral studies must have submitted their thesis no later than three months before the start date of the post, meaning the thesis must be submitted by 1 July 2027 for the stated 1 October 2027 start date.
There is also an eligibility restriction concerning when candidates submitted their doctoral thesis for viva voce examination. Applicants who formally submitted their doctoral thesis for viva examination before 1 October 2025 are not eligible unless they can demonstrate that, before the appointment date, they have not accumulated two years of full-time study or research, excluding professional training.
Candidates should carefully check the doctoral eligibility requirements, particularly the rules concerning thesis submission dates, before submitting an application.
Conditions et avantages
Merton College proposes to appoint up to three Early Career Researchers. The positions are:
- Three-year fixed-term appointments
- Starting 1 October 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter
- Based at Merton College, University of Oxford
- Focused on Classics, Ancient History or Modern Languages
The three-year structure gives successful candidates time to pursue a substantial research programme while developing their academic profile and gaining further experience within a leading university environment. For researchers at the early stages of an academic career, establishing a strong research profile can be an important step towards securing future academic positions. The potential teaching component can also help researchers strengthen their academic experience, particularly for those preparing for future careers that combine research and teaching.
Dossier de candidature
Interested candidates should prepare their application by reviewing the official requirements:
- Proof of doctoral status (completed doctorate or thesis submission by 1 July 2027)
- Compliance with viva examination date rules (after 1 October 2025, or proof of under two years of full-time study/research since submission)
- Research profile aligned with Classics, Ancient History or Modern Languages
Comment postuler
Interested candidates should review the official Merton College vacancy information and follow the application instructions provided on the official website.
- Procédure : Consulter les informations officielles des postes vacants du Merton College et suivre les instructions de candidature.
- Adresse/Lien : Visiter le site officiel de Merton College / Oxford pour postuler.
- Date limite : 9 October 2026
- Référence / Détails : Up to 3 positions, Three-year duration, Eligible fields: Classics, Ancient History and Modern Languages, Start date: 1 October 2027 (or as soon as possible thereafter).
