Postdoctoral opportunities

The 2026 scheme is currenty closed for applications.

The BA PDF scheme offers outstanding early career researchers who have not yet held a full-time permanent academic post, the opportunity to strengthen their experience of research and teaching in an academic environment. These 3 year fellowships aim to help develop the award holder’s profile and boost their prospects of obtaining a permanent academic post. The primary emphasis is on the completion of a significant piece of publishable research, and the integration of the award holder into the community of established scholars within their field.

Potential applicants who wish to undertake the fellowship in School of English at Nottingham, are advised to email Professor Jayne Carroll in the first instance, when more information on the process at Nottingham will be sent to applicants.

Prospective applicants are also expected to identify and confirm support of a member of academic staff in the School of English who can act as a mentor. 

The International Fellowships Programme provides support for outstanding early career researchers to make a first step towards developing an independent research career through gaining experience across international borders. The overarching aim of the scheme is to attract and retain emerging talent in the UK and build a globally connected, mobile research and innovation workforce. This scheme is jointly run by the British Academy and the Royal Society.

The deadline for applications to the  ESRC postdoctoral fellowship scheme for 2026 is 26th February 2026

This scheme is for early career researchers, with a research record but who have not yet held a full-time permanent academic post, to undertake a significant piece of publishable or to enable them to obtain a permanent academic position. These 3 year fellowships are 50% funded by Leverhulme and 50% funded by the host University.

Expressions of interest are invited each year for an October deadline. These are assessed by a School panel, with successful candidates then supported to put together a full application. If you are interested in applying for a fellowship through Nottingham, please contact Professor Jayne Carroll (jayne.carroll@nottingham.ac.uk).

 
The Leverhulme Research Fellowship scheme will be open for applications from 1st January 2026 with the deadline of 19th February 2026

These fellowships offer up to £70,000 over 3 to 24 months for UK-based researchers to conduct a programme of research in any discipline to which they will commit at least 75% of their time. Research Fellowships are open to experienced researchers, particularly those who are or have been prevented by routine duties from completing a programme of original research. Priority will be given to applicants whose teaching and administrative duties have significantly impacted their ability to undertake research in the three years prior to their application. 

University of Nottinghamm staff who wish to apply are asked to notify their School of their intention to apply to the Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowship scheme. They should include a completed School PI/grant approval form, and send to lauren.ball@nottingham.ac.uk

External applicants are requested to email Professor Jayne Carroll or Lauren Ball, who can then advise on next steps.

For more information on timelines and requirements please contact Professor Jayne Carroll or Lauren Ball.
Applicants are asked to inform the School of their intention to apply.

This scheme supports the mobility of post-doctoral researchers within and beyond Europe - as well as helping to attract the best foreign researchers to work in the European Union. The grant usually covers two years' salary, a mobility allowance, research costs and overheads for the host institution. Individual researchers submit proposals for funding in liaison with their planned host organisation.

The 2025 call for postdoctoral fellowships has now closed.

This scheme provides funding for early-career researchers from any discipline who are ready to develop their research identity. Through innovative projects, they will deliver shifts in understanding related to human life, health and wellbeing. By the end of the award, they will be ready to lead their own independent research programme.

The deadline for applications is 17th February 2026.