Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) is currently accepting applications for its Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026–2027. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
About Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) Postdoctoral Fellowships
The IASH Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026-27 is an opportunity offered by the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh to students with a PhD degree. This fellowship provides postdoctoral researchers with an opportunity to further enhance their skills in their area of interest and expertise. The selected candidates shall receive a bursary of up to £20,000 and other benefits.
Benefits of Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) Postdoctoral Fellowships
The IASH Postdoctoral Fellowship provides a supportive setting for developing innovative and impactful research. Fellows benefit from:
- 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.
No teaching is required, though Fellows may arrange limited teaching duties independently (up to 0.4 FTE) to complement their fellowship. Fellows must be in residence in Edinburgh for the duration of their award and are expected to engage fully in the Institute’s activities.
Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) Postdoctoral Fellowships Requirements
Applications are open to scholars worldwide, including those from 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 (such as parental leave or other time away from academia).
- Provide evidence of PhD completion, such as a letter of eligibility to graduate, if not yet 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 Date and Process
How to Apply
- 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 [email protected].
- References:
- Applicants must provide two to three confidential references.
- Referees should email their signed letters directly to the Director at [email protected] by 24 April 2026.
- One referee must certify 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.
- 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
24 April, 2026
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Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) Postdoctoral Fellowships
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