Junior Research Fellowship in the Social Sciences (Non-Stipendiary)

The post is intended to provide a college attachment for a post-doctoral researcher with a position in Oxford University’s Social Sciences Division. It will be tenable for one year in the first instance and renewable for a further two years, or until the University research post terminates, whichever is the sooner. The post will not be renewed beyond the third year, but should the post-holder take parental leave during the period of appointment their contract will be extended by an equivalent period of time, subject to their continuation in a University research position.

Wadham is one of the largest colleges of the University of Oxford, with approximately 450 undergraduates, 250 graduates, and 70 Fellows. Founded in 1610 by Nicholas and Dorothy Wadham, Wadham College has a strong commitment to academic values, whilst preserving a liberal and progressive atmosphere. The College is situated close to the heart of the city, in Parks Road. Its buildings range from the formality of the Jacobean quad to the informality of the centuries-old cottages along Holywell Street, and its spacious grounds provide a relaxed setting for intellectual and social fellowship.
Wadham College is committed to maintaining a vibrant and internationally excellent research and teaching environment. It accordingly expects its Fellows to be active in research and to contribute to a high-quality teaching and learning experience for its student body. The College has a strong commitment to supporting individual researchers, and to contributing to the University’s strategic goals in research and teaching. All Fellows should find in the College a convivial and lively atmosphere conducive to interdisciplinary exchange and support. The contribution of JRFs to many aspects of College life, including contact with graduates and undergraduates, is very welcome.
Potential applicants can find out more about the College from the College website: www.wadham.ox.ac.uk.

The Fellowship is designed to support the post holder’s career development, primarily through the support of their research. Participation in the educational activities of the college through paid tutorial teaching, access and outreach work, and involvement in admissions is also welcomed, and the College will take this into consideration in assessing applications. The post holder will also be asked to act as college adviser to a small number of graduate students; this role is a significantly lesser responsibility than that of a supervisor, but provides a graduate with a mentor in a related research area with whom to discuss their progress and career aspirations. The post-holder will hold the Fellowship under the terms of the College’s Statutes and By-laws. The post holder will be a full member of Wadham’s vibrant and inclusive intellectual community and as part of the Senior Common Room will benefit from everything that the close collegiate setting has to offer, including full access to social and sports facilities, to regular inter-disciplinary research seminars and to College events and dinners.

The Fellow will be entitled to lunch and dinner when the kitchens are open free of charge. They will also be entitled to apply for an academic allowance to help with research expenditure, the purchase of books or the costs of attending relevant conferences (currently up to £1,213 pa). Single living accommodation in college-owned residences (main site or off-site) may be available (for which a charge will be made). The postholder will be encouraged to take part in training courses provided by the University’s Oxford Learning Institute which are designed to support the professional development of early career academics. For further information please see (https://www.ctl.ox.ac.uk/). The post-holder will also be assigned a college mentor who will be able to provide support and advice on matters relating to the Fellow’s work at the College and more generally on career development matters.

The post is intended to provide a college attachment for a post-doctoral researcher employed within Oxford University’s Social Sciences Division; to be eligible candidates must therefore have such an association confirmed.

The successful candidate will have produced research of a high quality (taking into account the stage of their career) and will have clear plans for research to be undertaken during the tenure of the fellowship. The committee will consider the degree to which candidates’ careers may be enhanced by such an association, and equally the ways in which candidates are likely to enrich the academic life of the college. Preference will be given to those who have not previously held, or who are not currently holding, an equivalent early career post and to candidates who have completed their doctorate no longer than six years before the start of their post, excluding justified career breaks (parental leave, sick leave, carer’s leave etc.).

Applicants are asked to submit a letter and a curriculum vitae, including a summary of research history and future plans together with a list of publications. Candidates should also ask two referees to write directly to the Warden’s Executive Assistant via the email address below. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure that letters from referees are received by the closing date.

All application materials should be sent to Warden's Executive Assistant, by email to academic.appointments@wadham.ox.ac.uk by noon on 20th June 2025; any enquiries should be sent to the same address in the first instance. Applications will be considered by a small Selection Committee who will interview a final shortlist on 1st July 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit one piece of written work.

Please note that the appointment of the successful candidate will be subject to standard pre-employment screening, as applicable to the post. This will include proof of identity and references. Applicants should be aware that visa requirements will apply.

Wadham has a proud tradition of being at the forefront of advancing equality of opportunity, and celebrates vigorous debate, independent thought, and academic excellence. We seek to create a welcoming, accessible, and secure environment in which to work, study, live, and visit. Our community embraces people of all ages, backgrounds, races/ethnicities, nationalities, beliefs (including religious beliefs), genders, sexualities, dis/abilities, and appearances. This diversity, underpinned by mutual respect and consideration, enriches us all.