Postdoctoral Research Fellow Positions Opens at University of Oxford

Top Academic Opportunity: University of Oxford Announces Two Postdoctoral Fellowships in Sociology

The Department of Sociology at the University of Oxford has officially opened applications for two Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PRF) positions. This opening presents an outstanding opportunity for early-career sociologists to conduct independent research at a globally top-ranked institution.

Scheduled to begin in September 2026, these fixed-term fellowships offer up to four years of funding, running until September 30, 2030. To cover diverse methodological backgrounds, the department is dividing the roles: one position is tailored for a scholar with a primarily quantitative research focus, while the other targets a researcher specializing in qualitative methods.

Complete Research Autonomy & Mentorship

A defining feature of these fellowships is the high level of intellectual freedom provided. Successful applicants will retain full control over the nature and direction of their scholarly agendas. To support their professional growth, the department will assign an academic mentor to offer tailored career guidance and advice without compromising the fellow's research independence.

Core Duties and Expectations

Fellows are expected to integrate into Oxford’s rich academic culture while scaling up their own research profiles. Key responsibilities attached to the roles include:

• Conducting advanced, independent sociological studies.
• Publishing regularly in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, or monographs.
• Drafting funding applications and securing internal or external research grants.
• Participating actively in departmental life, including organizing workshops and seminar series.
• Undertaking a limited amount of teaching duties (capped at 32 hours per annum of classroom teaching) along with student supervision.

Key Selection Criteria

To be competitive, applicants must fulfill the following benchmarks:

• Education: Hold a PhD or DPhil in a relevant field.
• Project Management: Demonstrate the ability to independently manage a research project and its associated budget.
• Track Record: Show a strong portfolio of peer-reviewed publications appropriate to their career stage.
• Funding & Knowledge: Possess specialized methodological expertise and experience (or strong potential) in applying for research grants.

While not strictly mandatory, having research interests that align with current faculty members or experience teaching high-achieving students is considered an asset. The department possesses historical strengths across areas such as social inequality, demography, social mobility, family, gender, crime, and political attitudes.

Compensation and Employment Benefits

The positions are placed on the University’s Research Grade 8 scale:

• Base Salary: £49,119 to £58,265 per annum
• Discretionary Range: Up to £65,336 per annum

Alongside competitive pay, employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes 38 days of paid annual leave, excellent pension options, flexible working schemes, and access to dedicated family-friendly provisions like nursery partnerships and generous family leave.

Application Details & Deadlines

Applications must be compiled and submitted through Oxford's online recruitment portal. Candidates are required to upload a comprehensive CV alongside a detailed supporting statement that explicitly addresses how they satisfy each selection criterion.

• Application Deadline: July 31, 2026, at 12:00 noon (Midday) UK Time
• Interview Period: Interviews are projected to take place during the week starting August 31, 2026.
• Inquiries: Specific questions regarding the positions can be directed to the Head of Department, Colin Mills.

Disclaimer: Examoo is not the hosting or offering organization for this fellowship opportunity. All specific inquiries, requests for adjustments, or applications must be submitted directly through the official University of Oxford recruitment systems.