"‘Parnell’ Stipendiary Research Fellowship in Irish Studies Competition"

University of Cambridge - Magdalene College Cambridge and University of Notre Dame Du Lac

Placed On: 13th January 2026

Closes: 16th February 2026

Commencing October 2026.

Magdalene marked the centenary of the death of Charles Stewart Parnell by establishing the Parnell Fellowship in 1992. This Fellowship allows visiting Irish academics to spend a year in Cambridge focusing on Irish Studies. In addition to the visiting Fellowship Magdalene College have now joined with the University of Notre Dame to provide an additional three-year junior research fellowship in Irish studies with eighteen months based in Magdalene College, Cambridge and the succeeding 18 months based at the University of Notre Dame.

Applications are invited from graduates of any University and the post is regarded as an early career appointment. Whilst the Fellowship has a post-doctoral status, it may, at the discretion of the selection committee, be awarded to a person whose doctoral thesis is near completion but has yet to be submitted. Upon mutual agreement between the two appointing bodies this appointment may be offered to a candidate who will submit their dissertation for the award of PhD within 6 months of the offer being made. If a candidate will require a visa to work in the UK they will need to have obtained their PhD in order to be eligible for a Global Talent Visa. If a visa is required to work in the US the post holder will need to meet the requirements of the J1 visa.

The current gross stipend (2025-2026) for a Junior Research Fellowship at Magdalene College Cambridge is £30,345 p.a. The stipend for JRF position at the University of Notre Dame is currently $62,652 p.a. paid on the 15th and 30th/31st of the month.

Whilst at Magdalene College Junior Research Fellows may take advantage of single accommodation in College and will receive dining privileges. Whilst in post at Notre Dame the post holder would be expected to secure their own accommodation either in or around the campus.

The University of Notre Dame will provide an additional research fund of up to $2,500 p.a. for all three years of the post. This fund can be used to retrospectively reimburse costs associated with conference travel and research activities.

Applications for the Parnell Junior Research Fellowship position must be made through the CASC FAS online application system, including the submission of two references. Candidates will be expected to submit a 2-page summary of their curriculum vitae and a summary document outlining the candidate’s aims during the three-year post.

Please visit the Magdalene College website for additional information including the job description and application link: click the 'Apply' button above.

The deadline for complete application is 09:00 hrs Monday 16 February 2026.

Late or incomplete applications without the necessary references will not be considered.

Magdalene College is an equal opportunities employer