Apply Now! PAID Postdoctoral Research Fellow in African Studies at the University of Oxford: Salary ranges £39,424 to £47,779 per annum
The University of Oxford is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in African Studies, offering an exceptional opportunity for early-career scholars to advance their academic journey.
Based at the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies (OSGA), this prestigious role is housed within the African Studies Centre and is designed to support innovative, globally relevant research on Africa.
Overview of the Fellowship
This full-time position (37.5 hours per week) is offered on a two-year fixed-term contract, with a start date of 1 October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The salary ranges from £39,424 to £47,779 per annum (Grade 7), reflecting the competitive nature of this role within UK higher education.
The fellowship is supervised by Rita Abrahamsen, a leading scholar in the field, providing the successful candidate with valuable mentorship and academic guidance.
Research Focus: Africa in a Global Context
The central theme of this fellowship is “Africa and the World,” encouraging candidates to explore Africa’s role within the contemporary global order. Applicants are expected to develop an original and ambitious research programme that situates Africa within broader global, comparative, and transnational frameworks.
Scholars from across the social sciences and humanities are encouraged to apply, particularly those whose work engages with global systems, cross-border dynamics, and international intellectual debates.
Key Responsibilities
The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will play a vital role in both research and academic engagement. Core responsibilities include:
Independent Research and Publication
The successful candidate will lead a clearly defined research agenda, producing high-quality publications in peer-reviewed journals and academic presses. They will also present their work at conferences and seminars, contributing to the Centre’s global academic profile.
Academic Leadership and Collaboration
The Fellow will help shape the “Africa and the World” research theme at Oxford, organising seminars and contributing to conferences and collaborative initiatives. This role offers a platform to influence cutting-edge scholarship in African Studies.
Teaching and Supervision
In addition to research, the Fellow will contribute to teaching by offering a course aligned with their expertise and supervising postgraduate dissertations, particularly within the MSc in African Studies programme.
Community Engagement
Active participation in the intellectual life of the African Studies Centre and OSGA is essential. The Fellow will help foster a collaborative, inclusive, and dynamic academic environment.
Candidate Profile
Applicants should hold, or be close to completing, a relevant doctoral degree by the start of employment. The doctorate must have been awarded no earlier than three years before 1 January 2026.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- A strong and innovative research agenda
- Excellent academic writing and communication skills
- Experience presenting at conferences and publishing research
- A commitment to teaching and postgraduate supervision
- The ability to work independently and collaboratively
Experience in teaching, thesis supervision, and leading research projects will be considered an advantage.
Benefits of Working at Oxford
Joining the University of Oxford comes with a wide range of benefits designed to support both professional and personal wellbeing:
- 38 days of annual leave, including public holidays, with options to purchase additional leave
- Generous family leave policies, including extended maternity, adoption, and paternity leave
- A competitive pension scheme
- Sustainable commuting options, including cycle loans and discounted travel
- Access to a vibrant university community with social, cultural, and sports opportunities
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The Oxford School of Global and Area Studies is committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment. Applications are particularly encouraged from women and Black and minority ethnic candidates, who are currently underrepresented in academic roles at Oxford.
The School also holds a Bronze Athena Swan Award, recognising its commitment to advancing gender equality and supporting career progression for all staff.
Application Process
Candidates must apply through the University of Oxford’s official recruitment platform. The application requires:
- A curriculum vitae (CV)
- A supporting statement addressing the selection criteria
- A short research proposal outlining the proposed project
Applicants are advised not to submit published work at this stage.
For administrative enquiries, candidates may contact the HR Office, while academic queries can be directed to Professor Rita Abrahamsen. All enquiries are treated confidentially.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 12:00 noon (UK time), Monday 20 April 2026
- Interview Date: Thursday 14 May 2026 (online)
Apply Now
This Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Oxford represents a unique opportunity for emerging scholars to establish themselves within a globally recognised academic institution. With a strong emphasis on innovative research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global impact, the role offers an ideal platform for advancing scholarship on Africa’s place in the world.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering this position. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
