Apply Now: ESRC LISS Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 in the UK (Top Universities, Funded Research Opportunity)

Applications are now open for the ESRC Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 under the London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (LISS DTP). This prestigious programme offers early-career researchers the opportunity to strengthen their academic profile, expand professional networks, and further develop research outputs at leading UK institutions including King’s College London, Queen Mary University of London, and Imperial College London.

Designed for researchers in the immediate postdoctoral stage, this fellowship focuses on career development rather than funding new research projects. If you are looking to consolidate your PhD and advance your academic career in the social sciences, this opportunity is highly competitive and rewarding.

About the LISS ESRC Postdoctoral Fellowship

The LISS DTP is offering five ESRC-funded Postdoctoral Fellowships for the 2026 intake. These fellowships aim to support scholars in enhancing their research portfolios through publications, training, mentorship, and engagement activities.

Rather than funding new research, the programme emphasizes:

• Strengthening existing PhD research outputs
• Building academic and non-academic networks
• Developing professional and transferable skills

Fellows will be hosted at one of the partner institutions and will benefit from a vibrant interdisciplinary research environment.

Fellowship Benefits and Funding

The ESRC Postdoctoral Fellowship provides substantial support, including:

• Funding for up to 9 months full-time or 18 months part-time
• Coverage of the fellow’s salary
• Up to £7,500 for additional costs, including:
  • Mentorship support
  • Travel and conference participation
  • Training and skills development
  • Public engagement and impact activities

All full-time fellowships must be completed by 30 June 2027.

Mentorship and Collaboration Opportunities

Each fellow is required to work with a mentor based at their host institution. Mentors should:

• Have expertise in the applicant’s research area
• Not typically be the applicant’s PhD supervisor

Applicants are encouraged to proactively identify and contact potential mentors before applying. Additionally, collaboration with non-academic partners is strongly supported, offering valuable real-world engagement and impact.

Research Focus and Interdisciplinary Scope

Applications are welcome from:

• Single-discipline research areas
• Interdisciplinary projects

However, social sciences must account for at least 50% of the fellowship activities, and proposals must align with one of the LISS DTP’s designated research areas.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements set by the Economic and Social Research Council. Key criteria include:

• A completed PhD from a UK research organisation
• PhD awarded or viva passed (with minor amendments) by 1 June 2026, and fully awarded by 1 October 2026
• No more than 15 months of active postdoctoral experience by 1 June 2026
• Only one application to a single Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)
• Applicants needing a UK work visa must ensure eligibility

Notably, prior ESRC funding is not required to apply.

Application Process

The application process consists of two stages:

Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)

Applicants must:

• Review the ESRC call specifications and eligibility criteria
• Identify and contact a potential mentor
• Submit an online EOI application
• Applicants should also complete the online Diversity Monitoring Form 

Deadline: 13 April 2026 at 10:00 AM

Applicants must also complete a Diversity Monitoring Form. Only shortlisted candidates will proceed to the next stage.

Stage 2: Full Proposal

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal.

Deadline: 1 June 2026 at 23:59

Competition Timeline

• EOI Deadline: 13 April 2026
• EOI Results: End of April 2026
• Full Proposal Deadline: 1 June 2026
• Interviews: Early July 2026
• Final Decisions: July 2026
• Submission to ESRC: By 23 July 2026
• Fellowship Start Date: 1 October 2026
• Fellowship End Date: 30 June 2027

Applicant Briefing Session

Prospective applicants can attend a dedicated briefing session to learn more about the fellowship and application process.

• Date: 27 March 2026
• Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Click Here, for more details on the felowship.

This session is highly recommended for applicants seeking clarity and guidance before submitting their application.

The ESRC Postdoctoral Fellowship at LISS DTP is a valuable opportunity for early-career researchers aiming to build a strong academic foundation in the social sciences. With structured mentorship, financial support, and access to leading UK institutions, fellows are well-positioned to advance their careers and make meaningful contributions to their fields.

Applicants are encouraged to begin preparations early—especially in identifying mentors and refining their research development plans—to maximize their chances of success.