About the role
The Koch History Centre provides a new institutional home in Oxford for the pursuit of world-class historical research. Funded initially for 5 years, the Centre received its first intake of fellows in 2025. The Centre aims to promote curiosity-driven humanities research with a strong emphasis on multi- and inter-disciplinary approaches to the study of history.
The Centre is administered by the Faculty of History, which is based in the new, purpose-built Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG, and is hosted by Wadham College, Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3PN.
The Centre will appoint 3 Senior Fellows each year. Senior fellowships will be of one year’s duration and will be open to individuals whose PhD was granted more than 10 years before the application submission deadline (measured from the viva voce examination). Allowances will be made in the assessment of an applicant’s track record for periods of maternity or carer's leave, and illness.
Please ensure that you have applied to the correct ad for your situation, as ineligible Senior Fellowship applications will not be considered for the Fellowship posts.
The theme chosen for 2027-8 is Trust and Credibility. Given the Centre’s commitment to attracting historians with expertise in a broad range of periods and cultures, these terms should be understood as widely as possible. We welcome applications from scholars of ancient history through to contemporary history, and across all geographical and thematic ranges.
About you
You will hold doctorate granted more than 10 years prior to the application submission deadline (measured from the viva voce examination), and have an established international publication record and reputation with a track record of internationally outstanding research. You will also be able to evidence your experience of academic leadership, public engagement/research impact, and expertise in multi- and inter-disciplinary approaches to the study of history. Experience of leading research programmes, including setting the strategic direction would be desirable.
This post is full time, fixed-term for 12 months.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the University's online recruitment portal.
As part of your application, you will be required to:
- Upload a curriculum vitae of no more than five pages.
- Complete the supporting statement using the online form, explaining how you meet the selection criteria and answering questions about your proposed research project. Once completed, you will receive a PDF copy by email, which must be uploaded to your application.
- Provide the names and contact details of two referees.
Please refer to the further particulars for detailed instructions, including document formatting and application requirements.
Please note that applications which do not include the supporting statement generated using the online form, or which exceed the specified limits, will be deemed ineligible.
All practical and procedural enquiries should be directed to recruitments@history.ox.ac.uk. Enquiries will be treated in strict confidence and will not form part of the selection decision.
Only applications submitted online and received before 12 noon (UK time) on Monday 14 December 2026 can be considered.
You will receive an automated email confirming receipt of your application. Please check your spam or junk folder if you do not receive this. Further correspondence may also be sent through the recruitment portal.
Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants.
Committed to equality and valuing diversity.