Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026–2027

The Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh is inviting applications for its Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026–2027. This prestigious fellowship offers postdoctoral researchers an opportunity to further enhance their skills and expertise in their chosen field.

📖 About the Fellowship

The IASH Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026–2027 is designed for scholars with a PhD degree. It provides a supportive environment for innovative and impactful research. Selected candidates will receive a bursary of up to £20,000 along with other benefits.

🎁 Benefits

The fellowship offers the following benefits:

• A three- to ten-month research visit at the University of Edinburgh between August 2026 and July 2027.
• A bursary of up to £20,000, which may supplement other awards or contribute to living expenses.
• Dedicated office space, a University of Edinburgh email account, and full library and digital access.
• An allocated University mentor aligned with the Fellow’s research area.
• Participation in a weekly Fellows’ Lunch to foster a scholarly community.
• Involvement in the work-in-progress seminar series, allowing Fellows to present and refine their ideas.
• Opportunities to organize workshops, colloquia, or public engagement events supported by IASH.
• Access to the Institute’s calendar of academic and social events.

Note: No teaching is required, but Fellows may arrange limited teaching duties independently (up to 0.4 FTE). Fellows must reside in Edinburgh for the duration of their award and actively engage in the Institute’s activities.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applications are open to scholars worldwide, including those outside the University of Edinburgh. Applicants must:

• Hold a doctorate awarded between 2023 and 2026. Earlier graduates may be eligible if they have taken significant career breaks (e.g., parental leave).
• Provide evidence of PhD completion (e.g., a letter of eligibility to graduate) if the degree has not yet been formally awarded.
• Not hold a permanent academic position at a university.
• Not have previously held a fellowship at IASH.
• Demonstrate academic excellence, originality, and the potential to engage with the University of Edinburgh’s research community.
• Applications from all disciplines within the arts, humanities, and social sciences are welcome. Preference will be given to candidates proposing innovative and interdisciplinary projects and those who can show prior contact or collaboration with researchers at the University of Edinburgh.

📝 Application Process

How to Apply

1. Application Form:

   • The online application portal will open in December 2025. A link will be available on the IASH website.
   • Additional supporting documents should be emailed to iash@ed.ac.uk.

2. References:

   • Applicants must provide two to three confidential references.
   • Referees should email their signed letters directly to the Director at iash@ed.ac.uk by 24 April 2026.
   • One referee must certify the successful completion and defense (viva) of the candidate’s PhD.
   • References should comment on the applicant’s academic record, research proposal, and overall suitability for the fellowship.

3. Supporting Materials:

   • Applicants must include a research proposal, a curriculum vitae, and details of any collaboration with University of Edinburgh staff.
   • All applications must be complete and submitted by the closing date. Incomplete or late submissions will not be reviewed.

📅 Application Deadline

The deadline to apply is 24 April 2026.

🌐 Application Portal

• View details of the fellowship on the IASH website.
• Apply directly via the application form.

For further inquiries, contact iash@ed.ac.uk.

• A three- to ten-month research visit at the University of Edinburgh between August 2026 and July 2027.
• A bursary of up to £20,000, which may supplement other awards or contribute to living expenses.
• Dedicated office space, University of Edinburgh email account, and full library and digital access.
• An allocated University mentor aligned with the Fellow’s area of research.
• Participation in a weekly Fellows’ Lunch to foster scholarly community.
• Involvement in the work-in-progress seminar series, allowing Fellows to present and refine their ideas.
• Opportunities to organize workshops, colloquia, or public engagement events supported by IASH.
• Access to the Institute’s calendar of academic and social events.