Nuffield College intends to appoint with effect from 1 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter, two Postdoctoral Prize Research Fellows (PPRFs) in Sociology, broadly construed to include sociology, demography, criminology, social and medical statistics, public policy, and social policy. The College particularly welcomes applications from candidates who work or plan to work in the field of one or more of the College’s Sociology Fellows, but this is not a requirement.

The key responsibilities of the Research Fellows are to engage in advanced study and independent scholarly research in sociology broadly construed (as above); to disseminate research findings through publication and participation in conferences and seminars; and to take part in the intellectual life of the College by organising seminars, workshops, or conferences. Research Fellows may also undertake ad hoc paid teaching or supervision within the collegiate University in Oxford, up to a maximum of 48 hours per year.

To be eligible, candidates should have completed, or be close to completing, a PhD/DPhil in a relevant field. Candidates must be within three years of the defence date of their doctorate at the time of application. Allowances will be made for career breaks (for example, family-related leave) and candidates are asked to provide relevant information. Preference will be given to candidates who have not previously held a research fellowship similar to that advertised for more than one year at the time of taking up the fellowship. Prospective candidates should also have experience of carrying out independent research, a track record of excellent quality papers appropriate for their career level, and publications in peer-reviewed journals commensurate with their career level. They should have the willingness to contribute to the intellectual life of the College, and excellent oral and written communication skills.

The Fellowships are full-time, fixed-term posts and are to be taken up on 1 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The post end date will normally be 31 August 2029. Candidates who have not yet completed their doctorate at the time of application should note that to take up the Fellowship in September 2026, it may be necessary for them to have submitted their doctoral dissertation for examination by the end of May 2026. The posts will be based at Nuffield College. The salary offered is £41,700 per annum.

Further particulars, including information on how to apply and further benefits, are available from the College website by clicking the apply button above.

The deadline for applications is Monday 22 September 2025.

Nuffield College values diversity in its Fellowship and particularly welcomes applications from women, from disabled people, and from black and minority ethnic people, who are currently underrepresented in senior academic posts at the University of Oxford.

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Postdoctoral Prize Research Fellowships in Sociology (two posts)