The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has announced an exciting career opportunity for early-career academics seeking to build a strong foundation in teaching and research within one of the world’s leading universities. Applications are now open for the prestigious LSE Fellow in Economic and Social and Public Policy position under the Department of Social Policy.
This fully funded academic career development role offers successful candidates the opportunity to contribute to teaching, supervision, and internationally recognized research while working in one of the highest-ranked social policy departments globally.
The position is based in London, United Kingdom, and is designed for ambitious scholars passionate about international social and public policy, social welfare systems, economics of public policy, inequality, migration, education, climate policy, and related areas.
About the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
The London School of Economics and Political Science is globally recognized for excellence in social sciences research, policy impact, and academic innovation. The Department of Social Policy at LSE is the longest-established department of its kind in the United Kingdom and consistently ranks among the best worldwide.
According to the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject, the Department of Social Policy ranks 4th globally, highlighting its influence in shaping policy research and academic thought leadership.
The department is known for its:
- Multidisciplinary approach
- International and comparative research focus
- Research activities across high-, middle-, and low-income countries
- Commitment to addressing pressing global social challenges
Its major research strengths include:
- Poverty and inequality
- Work and welfare systems
- Education policy
- Care and social protection
- Women and gender studies
- Race, ethnicity, and migration
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Crime and criminal justice
- Climate and environmental policy
- Behavioural public policy
Overview of the LSE Fellowship Position
The LSE Fellowship is specifically designed as an entry pathway into an academic career. It provides early-career scholars with opportunities to strengthen their teaching portfolio, develop research output, and gain experience in a globally respected institution.
The fellowship is a fixed-term appointment lasting two years, beginning in September 2026.
Position Details
- Institution: London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
- Department: Social Policy
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Position Title: LSE Fellow in Economic and Social and Public Policy
- Contract Type: Fixed-term (2 years)
- Start Date: September 2026
- Application Deadline: 31 May 2026 (23:59 UK Time)
Salary and Benefits
Successful candidates will receive a highly competitive salary package alongside excellent employment benefits.
Salary Package
- Annual salary ranging from £43,277 to £51,714
- Potential progression up to £55,497
- Inclusive of London allowance
Additional Benefits
LSE also offers several employee benefits, including:
- Occupational pension scheme
- Generous annual leave
- Professional training and development opportunities
- Access to a world-class academic environment
- International networking and collaboration opportunities
- Exposure to leading policy researchers and institutions
Key Responsibilities
The selected LSE Fellow will contribute significantly to both teaching and research activities within the Department of Social Policy.
Teaching Responsibilities
Successful candidates will teach and support courses related to:
- Economics of social and public policy
- International social and public policy
- Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
- BSc and MSc students in International Social and Public Policy
Responsibilities may include:
- Delivering lectures and seminars
- Supervising student projects and dissertations
- Supporting curriculum development
- Engaging with virtual learning environments such as Moodle
- Participating in teaching-related administrative activities
Research Responsibilities
Candidates are also expected to actively contribute to LSE’s internationally recognized research culture through:
- Producing high-quality academic publications
- Conducting independent and collaborative research
- Participating in departmental research activities
- Contributing to policy debates and scholarly discussions
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this fellowship opportunity, applicants should meet several academic and professional requirements.
Required Qualifications
Applicants must:
- Have completed or be close to completing a PhD by the post start date
- Hold expertise in one of the following or related fields:
- Social Policy
- Public Policy
- Economics
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Related disciplines relevant to the role
Teaching Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Ability to teach economics of social and public policy
- Capacity to teach international social and public policy courses
- Experience teaching undergraduate and/or postgraduate students
Research Expectations
Candidates should show:
- Strong research potential
- Ability to produce internationally excellent publications
- Interest in international social and public policy research
Additional Advantage
The following experience will strengthen an application:
- Teaching-related administrative experience
- Experience using virtual learning platforms such as Moodle
Important Eligibility Restriction
LSE has clarified that applicants who have already been employed as an LSE Fellow for a total of three years are not eligible for this opportunity.
This condition exists because the fellowship is intended strictly as a career development position for early-career academics.
Why You Should Apply
This fellowship presents a remarkable opportunity for emerging academics who wish to establish themselves in teaching and research within a globally respected institution.
Major Advantages of the Fellowship
- Gain teaching experience at a top-ranked university
- Conduct research in an internationally recognized department
- Build academic networks and collaborations
- Improve publication portfolio
- Access excellent mentorship and development resources
- Enhance future academic career prospects
For researchers interested in public policy, welfare systems, inequality, migration, or global social issues, this role provides an exceptional environment for intellectual growth and career advancement.
Application Process
Interested applicants must submit their applications through the official LSE online application portal.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review:
- The job description
- Person specification
- Application guidelines
- Supporting documentation requirements
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications is:
31 May 2026 (23:59 UK Time)
Late applications will not be accepted.
Interview Information
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for online interviews via Zoom.
Interview Schedule
- Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 22 June 2026
For more information about this opportunity, visit here.
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