Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship 2026 at University of Cambridge

Foreign postdoctoral researchers in the field of history, take note! One of the most prestigious postdoctoral funding opportunities in the UK—the Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship 2026—is now open at the University of Cambridge, hosted by the Faculty of History. This is a high-stakes, career-launching fellowship designed to support outstanding early-career scholars who are ready to contribute original research and join a world-class academic community.

Fellowship Overview

This opportunity is a two-stage competition. First, shortlisted candidates are selected internally by the University of Cambridge for match funding from the Isaac Newton Trust, which is a mandatory requirement by the Leverhulme Trust. Those chosen will then be invited to apply to the national Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship scheme in February 2026.

All areas of historical research are welcome. However, the process is highly competitive, with only a limited number of scholars advancing from internal selection to national competition.

What Does the Fellowship Offer?

Successful applicants will receive:

• 50% salary funding for three years, covered by the Isaac Newton Trust
• Additional salary shortfall coverage
• Prestige, mentorship, and a launchpad to permanent academic roles

Application Requirements

Foreign applicants must contact a suitable academic host in the Faculty of History at Cambridge. If unsure whom to approach, you’re encouraged to reach out to Prof. David Maxwell at [email protected] for guidance.

By noon on Thursday, 13 October 2025, applicants must submit:

• A completed cover sheet (emailed to: [email protected])
• A single Word or PDF file containing:
  1. Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 A4 pages)
  2. Publication list (1 A4 page)
  3. Statement of current research (max. 250 words)
  4. Full proposal of the planned research (max. 2 A4 pages)

Additionally:

• Two academic reference letters (one from outside Cambridge) must be emailed directly by the referees to the above address by the same deadline.
• A third reference will be needed for the national stage later.

Who Is Eligible?

You must meet all the following criteria:

• Not have held a full-time permanent academic position (including stipendiary Junior Research Fellowships).
• PhD submitted between 19 February 2022 and 19 February 2026 (allowing for career breaks).
• Have a UK connection, meaning:
  1. You hold a degree from a UK higher education institution, or
  2. You have held an academic role in the UK for at least 4 months by 20 October 2024.

Apply: https://www.hist.cam.ac.uk/leverhulme-early-career-fellowship-2026

The last date to apply for the Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship 2026 (internal competition) at the University of Cambridge Faculty of History is 13 October 2025 at 12:00 PM (noon).