- Department of Sociology, 42-43 Park End Street, Oxford, OX1 1JD
- Grade 8RS: £49,119 - £58,265 per annum (with a discretionary range to £65,336)
- Full-time
- Fixed-term (4 years)
- Vacancy Reference 187185
For the full range of responsibilities and selection criteria, and to apply, please view the job description on the University of Oxford jobs website.
The Department of Sociology seeks to appoint two Postdoctoral Research Fellows (PRFs) in Sociology, commencing in September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. One position is intended for a researcher with a primarily quantitative focus and the other with a primarily qualitative focus.
We particularly welcome applications from candidates whose work, or planned work, falls within the broad research interests of one or more members of the Department's faculty.
The Fellowships are available for up to four years, until 30 September 2030.
The key responsibilities of the PRFs are to pursue independent scholarly research, to apply for internal and external research funds, to take part in the intellectual life of the Department and to undertake a limited amount of teaching.
The nature and direction of the research will be wholly under the control of the Research Fellow, and the Department will appoint an academic mentor to provide support and advice.
PRFs will be expected to play an active role in activities that support their integration into the life of the Department and the wider Oxford academic community. They will therefore be encouraged to organise and contribute to research events, including workshops and a seminar series.
Candidates will be judged against the following criteria, and should ensure that their covering letter explains in their own words how they meet them.
Essential
- A PhD/DPhil in a relevant field
- Ability to independently plan and manage a research project, including a research budget
- Publications in peer-reviewed journals appropriate to career stage.
- Experience of raising research funds through making grant applications
- Sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research projects and methodologies
- Willingness to contribute to the intellectual life of the Department.
Desirable
- Research experience and/or research plans in the field of one or more of the Department’s faculty
- Experience of teaching high-achieving students
The Department is committed to building a diverse and inclusive academic community. We particularly encourage applications from groups that are underrepresented in academic posts at the University of Oxford, including women, disabled people, and people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
Requests for further information about these posts should be addressed to the Head of Department, Colin Mills, at colin.mills@sociology.ox.ac.uk. Interviews are expected to take place in the week commencing 31st August 2026.
Only applications received before noon (UK time) on Friday 31st July 2026 will be considered.
For the full range of responsibilities and selection criteria, and to apply, please view the job description on the University of Oxford jobs website.
