The Department of Sociology at the University of Oxford has announced an exciting opportunity for outstanding early-career researchers through two Postdoctoral Research Fellow positions available in Sociology.

The University of Oxford is seeking to appoint two Postdoctoral Research Fellows (PRFs) for full-time, fixed-term positions lasting up to four years. One position is designed for a researcher with a primarily quantitative research focus, while the other is intended for a researcher with a primarily qualitative research focus.

These fellowships provide an excellent opportunity for researchers who want to develop independent academic research, build international research networks, contribute to sociological scholarship, and participate in the intellectual life of one of the world’s leading universities.

Application Deadline: 12:00pm UK Time, Friday 31 July 2026

About the Postdoctoral Research Fellow Positions

The Department of Sociology at the University of Oxford is inviting applications from researchers whose current work or future research plans connect with the broad academic interests of members of the Department’s faculty.

The successful fellows will have the independence to shape and lead their own research direction while receiving support and guidance from an appointed academic mentor.

The fellowships are available for up to four years, running until:

30 September 2030

The expected start date is:

September 2026 or as soon as possible afterward

Position Details

Position: Postdoctoral Research Fellow (2 Positions)
Department: Sociology
Institution: University of Oxford
Location: Department of Sociology, 42–43 Park End Street, Oxford, OX1 1JD, United Kingdom

Employment Type: Full-time
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Duration: Up to 4 years

Salary:

• Grade 8RS
• £49,119 – £58,265 per annum
• Discretionary range up to £65,336

Vacancy Reference: 187185

Available Research Positions

The University is recruiting two fellows with different methodological specialisations:

1. Quantitative Research Fellow

This position is suitable for researchers whose work involves:

• Quantitative sociology
• Statistical analysis
• Large-scale datasets
• Computational or data-driven research approaches
• Quantitative research methodologies

2. Qualitative Research Fellow

This position is suitable for researchers whose work involves:

• Qualitative sociology
• Interviews
• Ethnographic research
• Case studies
• Social analysis using qualitative methodologies

Key Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Research Fellows will be responsible for developing and advancing independent academic research projects.

Main responsibilities include:

1. Conducting Independent Research

The fellows will:

• Develop original research projects
• Lead independent scholarly investigations
• Design research methodologies
• Produce high-quality academic outputs
• Advance knowledge within sociology and related disciplines

The research direction and focus will remain under the control of the Research Fellow.

2. Securing Research Funding

The fellows will be expected to:

• Identify research funding opportunities
• Apply for internal and external research grants
• Develop competitive funding proposals
• Manage research resources effectively

3. Contributing to Academic Life

Successful candidates will actively participate in the Department of Sociology community by:

• Attending academic discussions
• Joining research activities
• Supporting workshops and seminars
• Sharing research ideas with colleagues
• Contributing to the wider Oxford academic environment

4. Teaching Responsibilities

The fellows will undertake a limited amount of teaching, including supporting the academic development of students.

Candidates with previous experience teaching high-achieving students will be viewed favourably.

Academic Mentorship and Research Support

Each Postdoctoral Research Fellow will receive guidance from an academic mentor appointed by the Department.

The mentor will provide:

• Research advice
• Academic support
• Career guidance
• Assistance navigating the research environment

This structure allows fellows to maintain independence while benefiting from experienced academic support.

Essential Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate the following:

Academic Qualification

Applicants must have:

• A completed PhD/DPhil in a relevant academic field

Research Capability

Candidates should demonstrate the ability to:

• Independently plan research projects
• Manage research activities
• Work with research budgets
• Develop appropriate methodologies
• Produce academic publications

Publications

Applicants should have:

• Peer-reviewed journal publications suitable for their career stage

Research Funding Experience

Candidates should have experience with:

• Research grant applications
• Funding proposals
• Research funding development

Academic Engagement

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Interest in contributing to the intellectual life of the Department
• Ability to collaborate with academic colleagues
• Commitment to research excellence

Desirable Skills and Experience

The University particularly welcomes candidates with:

• Research interests connected to the work of Sociology Department faculty members
• Previous university teaching experience
• Experience working with advanced students
• Strong academic collaboration skills

Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

The Department of Sociology at the University of Oxford is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive academic environment.

Applications are particularly encouraged from groups currently underrepresented in academic positions, including:

• Women
• Disabled people
• Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities

The University welcomes applications from talented researchers from diverse backgrounds.

Interview and Selection Timeline

Applicants should note:

• Interviews are expected to take place during the week beginning 31 August 2026
• Only applications submitted before the deadline will be considered

How to Apply

Interested candidates should prepare their application materials and submit their application through the official University of Oxford recruitment system.

Applications must be submitted before:

12:00pm UK Time on Friday 31 July 2026

Late applications will not be considered.

Click here for more and to apply

Why Apply for This Opportunity?

This fellowship offers researchers the chance to:

• Work at one of the world’s most prestigious universities
• Develop an independent research profile
• Access an international academic network
• Contribute to influential sociological research
• Gain experience in teaching and academic leadership
• Build a foundation for a future academic career

The University of Oxford Postdoctoral Research Fellowships represent a valuable opportunity for researchers seeking to expand their impact in sociology and related fields.

Click here for more global fellowship opportunities