Applications are open for the Research Fellow (Cadbury Postdoctoral Fellowship) in African Studies at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom. This is a full-time, salaried postdoctoral appointment for an early-career historian currently based in Africa and affiliated with an African higher education institution.
The successful candidate will join the University of Birmingham’s School of History and Cultures for an 18-month fellowship beginning on 1 January 2027. The Fellow will undertake an agreed programme of research in African History, produce academic publications, contribute to the University’s research community and support undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in History and African Studies.
The position carries a starting salary of £36,636 to £46,049 per year, with the potential to progress to £48,822 once in post. It is classified at Grade 7 and offered on a fixed-term contract running up to June 2028.
The official application deadline is 1 September 2026. Applicants should apply electronically through the University of Birmingham’s official recruitment portal.
Cadbury Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027 at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Research Fellow, Cadbury Postdoctoral Fellowship in African Studies |
| Host institution | University of Birmingham |
| School | School of History and Cultures |
| Academic area | African History and African Studies |
| Location | Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom |
| Contract | Full-time, fixed-term |
| Fellowship duration | Approximately 18 months |
| Expected start date | 1 January 2027 |
| Contract end | Up to June 2028 |
| Salary | £36,636–£46,049 per year |
| Potential progression | Up to £48,822 once in post |
| Grade | Grade 7 |
| Job category | Academic Non-clinical |
| Job function | Research |
| Job reference | 107675 |
| Oracle job identification | 9655 |
| Posting date | 24 July 2026 |
| Application deadline | 1 September 2026 |
| Application method | Online through the University’s recruitment system |
| Informal enquiries | Dr Juliet Gilbert at j.gilbert.2@bham.ac.uk |
About the Cadbury Postdoctoral Fellowship
The Cadbury Postdoctoral Fellowship is connected to the University of Birmingham’s long-standing work with African scholars and higher education institutions. The post is funded through an endowment intended to enable academics affiliated with African universities to spend a sustained period at the University of Birmingham.
The University’s broader Cadbury Research Fellowship Scheme has supported collaborative academic activities between Birmingham researchers and scholars based at African institutions. The programme has historically offered early-career researchers opportunities to develop their work through engagement with the University’s academic community, research collections and scholarly networks.
The University explains that Cadbury-supported scholars may become involved in academic activities such as:
- Presentations of research in progress;
- Reading and writing groups;
- Research seminars;
- Research-methods activities;
- Meetings with academic colleagues;
- Collaborative research discussions; and
- Engagement with the University’s library and research collections.
The precise responsibilities and support arrangements for this 18-month post are governed by the current vacancy announcement and employment contract. Additional background is available through the University’s Cadbury Research Fellowship Scheme page.
Purpose of the Fellowship
The University of Birmingham is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow in African History who can contribute meaningfully to both research and teaching.
The successful candidate will pursue a programme of research agreed with an academic mentor. This structure is intended to allow the Fellow to advance an independent research and publication agenda while benefiting from intellectual guidance and participation in the wider research environment of the School of History and Cultures.
The Fellowship is not limited to personal research. The successful applicant will also be expected to contribute to:
- The research culture of the relevant department;
- Academic activities across the School of History and Cultures;
- The broader University research community;
- Teaching in History and African Studies;
- Student research supervision;
- Public engagement;
- Academic administration; and
- Equality, diversity and inclusion within the workplace.
Main Research Responsibilities
Research is a central component of the Cadbury Postdoctoral Fellowship. The successful candidate will be expected to undertake high-quality research within their historical area of specialization.
The principal research responsibilities include:
1. Developing research objectives and proposals
The Fellow will develop clear research objectives for individual or collaborative work. The successful candidate may receive assistance from a mentor where appropriate, but must demonstrate the ability to define a focused, realistic and academically significant research programme.
2. Conducting research in African History
The research must fall within African History or a closely connected area of African Studies. The person specification particularly requires candidates to be capable of constructing a convincing and achievable research and publication proposal in African History.
The applicant’s work may relate to Africa itself, African diasporas or historical connections between African societies and wider global developments, provided that the project has a clear historical foundation.
3. Collecting and analysing research material
The Fellow will collect and evaluate research data or evidence using methods appropriate to the project. Depending on the nature of the proposed research, this may include:
- Archival research;
- Literature reviews;
- Oral-history interviews;
- Qualitative research interviews;
- Documentary analysis;
- Comparative historical analysis;
- Digital research methods; and
- Other relevant research techniques.
The Fellow must be able to analyse and interpret findings accurately and connect them to wider historical debates.
4. Producing new intellectual understanding
The successful candidate will be expected to apply subject knowledge in ways that develop original scholarly arguments and contribute new understanding to African History or African Studies.
This means that the proposed project should not merely repeat the applicant’s doctoral thesis. It should demonstrate a credible postdoctoral trajectory, showing how previous doctoral work will be developed, extended or redirected into a distinct programme of research and publication.
5. Disseminating research findings
The Fellow will be responsible for communicating research findings through appropriate academic channels. Expected outputs may include:
- Peer-reviewed journal articles;
- Book chapters;
- A monograph proposal or manuscript;
- Conference papers;
- Departmental research seminars;
- Research posters;
- Workshops;
- Public lectures; and
- Other academic or public-facing outputs.
The job description specifically requires the preparation and presentation of research outputs, including drafting academic publications or sections of publications.
6. Managing research challenges and deadlines
The Fellow must identify and address problems that could prevent the research project from meeting its objectives or deadlines. This requires strong research planning, time management and the ability to adjust methods or priorities when unexpected difficulties arise.
Teaching Responsibilities
The Fellowship includes a substantial teaching contribution in History and African Studies.
The successful candidate must be able to support teaching at undergraduate and Master’s level. Responsibilities may include some or all of the following:
- Convening undergraduate modules;
- Convening postgraduate modules;
- Delivering lectures;
- Leading seminars and tutorials;
- Designing teaching materials;
- Preparing student assessments;
- Marking assignments and examinations;
- Providing academic feedback;
- Supervising undergraduate dissertations;
- Supervising postgraduate dissertations;
- Supporting broader teaching-related activities; and
- Contributing to programme and curriculum development.
Applicants should therefore demonstrate more than research excellence. Evidence of effective university-level teaching, student support, assessment or curriculum development will strengthen an application.
Candidates with limited formal teaching experience should clearly explain any related experience, such as:
- Teaching assistantships;
- Guest lectures;
- Seminar facilitation;
- Student mentoring;
- Dissertation support;
- Academic workshops;
- Research-methods training; or
- Curriculum-development activities.
Student Supervision and Academic Guidance
The successful Fellow may supervise students undertaking research-related work. Where appropriate to the discipline and level of experience, the Fellow may also provide guidance to doctoral researchers.
The role may involve:
- Advising students on research methods;
- Providing feedback on research plans;
- Supporting students who assist with a research project;
- Helping students interpret historical evidence;
- Advising on academic writing;
- Supporting dissertation development; and
- Referring more complex supervisory matters to senior academic staff where necessary.
Contribution to the University’s Research Environment
The Cadbury Postdoctoral Fellow will be expected to participate actively in the academic life of the department, School and wider University.
This may involve:
- Attending research seminars;
- Presenting work in progress;
- Participating in reading and writing groups;
- Contributing to workshops and conferences;
- Collaborating with researchers in related fields;
- Supporting departmental research initiatives;
- Assisting with research-related administration;
- Contributing to new research methods or analytical approaches; and
- Building connections between the University of Birmingham and African higher education institutions.
The Fellow should approach the position as an active member of an academic community rather than solely as an individual researcher using University facilities.
Management and Administrative Responsibilities
The position also includes administrative duties arising from research and teaching activities.
The successful candidate may be expected to:
- Organize research-related activities;
- Support seminars or workshops;
- Maintain research records;
- Coordinate parts of a module;
- Participate in departmental meetings;
- Assist with student administration;
- Contribute to reporting requirements;
- Manage research deadlines;
- Support research or teaching teams; and
- contribute to broader School or University processes.
Applicants must therefore show that they can manage responsibilities reliably, communicate effectively with colleagues and contribute to institutional processes.
Public Engagement Responsibilities
The Fellow may contribute to public engagement activities that support the strategic objectives of the School, College and University.
Public engagement could involve communicating research to audiences beyond universities, including:
- Schools;
- Museums;
- Cultural organizations;
- Community groups;
- Policymakers;
- Media organizations;
- Research participants; and
- Members of the general public.
Candidates whose work already includes community engagement, public history, digital scholarship or collaboration with cultural organizations should explain how that experience could support the role.
Essential Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet every essential condition stated in the person specification.
PhD requirement
Candidates must hold a PhD focused on:
- The history of Africa;
- The history of African diasporas; or
- A closely related historical subject that clearly addresses Africa or African diasporic communities.
The PhD must have been formally examined and passed between:
1 June 2021 and 1 June 2026
This is a strict eligibility period.
Candidates who have submitted their doctoral thesis but are still waiting for examination or final approval are explicitly ineligible. The doctorate must already have been examined and passed by the prescribed date.
Current location requirement
Applicants must currently be based on the African continent.
The formal person specification does not restrict eligibility to a particular African nationality. The requirement concerns the applicant’s current location and institutional affiliation.
Institutional affiliation requirement
Applicants must be employed by or otherwise affiliated with an African higher education institution.
Depending on the circumstances, acceptable affiliation may include employment, an academic appointment or another formally recognized institutional relationship. Candidates should ensure that their application clearly identifies:
- The institution’s official name;
- The applicant’s current position or status;
- The nature of the institutional relationship; and
- Contact information or documentation that can verify the affiliation.
Permanent academic position requirement
Applicants must meet one of the following two conditions:
- They do not currently hold a permanent academic position; or
- If they hold a permanent academic position, they must submit a statement confirming that their home institution will release them for the full period of the University of Birmingham appointment.
A permanently employed academic is therefore not automatically excluded. However, the required institutional release statement must accompany the application.
Research Experience and Publication Requirements
Candidates must provide evidence of research activity and publications appropriate to their level of postdoctoral experience.
The University does not prescribe a fixed number of publications in the vacancy. Candidates will instead be evaluated relative to their career stage and the time elapsed since completing the PhD.
Relevant evidence may include:
- Peer-reviewed journal articles;
- Book chapters;
- Research reports;
- An academic monograph;
- An accepted book proposal;
- Edited collections;
- Policy or public-history publications;
- Conference presentations;
- Research grants;
- Research projects;
- Archival or fieldwork experience; and
- Research collaboration.
Applicants should distinguish clearly between published, accepted, forthcoming and under-review work.
Research and Publication Proposal
A competitive applicant must be able to construct a persuasive and achievable research and publication proposal in African History.
The proposal should normally explain:
- The proposed research topic;
- The central research questions;
- The significance of the project;
- The relationship to existing scholarship;
- The proposed methodology;
- The evidence or sources to be used;
- The work already completed;
- The activities planned during the Fellowship;
- The expected publication outputs;
- A realistic 18-month timetable;
- The relevance of the University of Birmingham’s expertise or resources; and
- The broader contribution to African History and African Studies.
The vacancy does not publish a specific proposal word limit. Applicants should follow any limits or upload instructions shown inside the online application system.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Requirements
Applicants must understand the protected characteristics and institutional responsibilities established under the United Kingdom’s Equality Act 2010.
The successful Fellow will be expected to:
- Foster positive working relationships;
- Support a fair and equitable workplace;
- Recognize equality and diversity issues;
- Respond appropriately to discrimination or exclusion;
- Follow relevant University policies;
- Contribute to the University’s Public Sector Equality Duty; and
- Help create an inclusive environment for staff and students.
The University of Birmingham states that diversity supports the exchange of ideas, innovation and academic debate. It holds Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations and operates an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Centre.
Salary and Contract Conditions
The normal starting salary is:
£36,636 to £46,049 per year
The position offers potential progression to:
£48,822 per year once in post
The final starting salary within the published range will normally depend on the University’s appointment policies and the successful candidate’s experience.
The appointment is:
- Full-time;
- Grade 7;
- Fixed-term;
- Expected to begin on 1 January 2027; and
- Scheduled to continue up to June 2028.
This produces an approximate appointment period of 18 months.
The vacancy does not specify a separate research allowance, relocation payment, accommodation package or travel budget. Applicants should not assume that these expenses are automatically covered.
What the Fellowship Can Offer
The primary confirmed financial benefit is the published salary. Professionally, the appointment may also provide the successful candidate with opportunities to:
- Develop an independent postdoctoral research programme;
- Work with an academic mentor;
- Produce peer-reviewed publications;
- Gain teaching experience at undergraduate and Master’s levels;
- Develop module-convening and assessment experience;
- Supervise student research;
- Participate in an established research environment;
- Access University research resources and collections;
- Build international research networks;
- Strengthen links with African and United Kingdom institutions;
- Develop public engagement experience; and
- Build a stronger profile for future academic appointments or research funding.
These professional outcomes will depend on the Fellow’s project, activities and performance during the appointment.
Application Documents to Prepare
The full attachment list should be confirmed inside the recruitment portal. Based on the published requirements, applicants should be prepared to provide:
- An updated academic curriculum vitae;
- A tailored cover letter or supporting statement;
- Details of the completed PhD;
- Evidence that the PhD was examined and passed within the eligible period;
- A research and publication proposal;
- A complete publication list;
- Evidence of teaching experience;
- Evidence of research activity;
- Details of the current African higher education affiliation;
- A release statement from the home institution if the applicant holds a permanent academic position; and
- Any additional information requested through the online form.
Candidates should use the exact names of qualifications, institutions, positions and publications. Unsupported or exaggerated claims could weaken the application.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically through the University of Birmingham recruitment portal.
Step 1: Review the eligibility conditions
Before beginning the form, confirm that:
- Your PhD is in African History, African diaspora history or an appropriately related historical field;
- Your PhD was examined and passed between 1 June 2021 and 1 June 2026;
- You are currently based in Africa;
- You are employed by or affiliated with an African higher education institution; and
- You can provide a release statement if you hold a permanent academic appointment.
Step 2: Prepare a focused research proposal
Ensure that the project is achievable within 18 months and produces clear scholarly outputs. Avoid proposing a project so broad that it cannot be completed during the appointment.
Step 3: Tailor the supporting statement
The supporting statement should directly address each point in the person specification. Use clear evidence rather than general claims.
Step 4: Update the academic CV
Place the most relevant information prominently, including:
- PhD title and completion date;
- Research interests;
- Publications;
- Current institutional affiliation;
- Teaching experience;
- Research projects;
- Conference presentations;
- Public engagement; and
- Administrative or leadership responsibilities.
Step 5: Secure the release statement if required
Applicants in permanent academic positions should obtain the required statement before the deadline. The statement should confirm that the home institution will release the applicant for the full period of appointment at the University of Birmingham.
Step 6: Complete the official online application
Submit the application through the official University of Birmingham vacancy page.
Step 7: Submit before the deadline
Do not wait until the final day. Upload and system problems may prevent a late application from being considered.
Important Warning About the Use of Artificial Intelligence
The University has included a specific warning about using artificial intelligence in applications.
It wants the written elements to demonstrate the candidate’s genuine interest and personal communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI may appear generic and may not provide enough specific evidence for the selection panel to evaluate the applicant’s experience and suitability.
The University states that applications which rely excessively on AI are unlikely to progress to the interview stage.
Applicants should therefore:
- Write in their own voice;
- Use evidence drawn from their real experience;
- Tailor every answer to the role;
- Check all dates and publication details;
- Avoid generic statements;
- Do not invent experience or achievements; and
- Personally review and revise every submitted document.
How to Strengthen an Application
A strong application should demonstrate an exact match between the candidate’s experience and the person specification.
Research fit
Explain why the project belongs within African History and how it contributes to current scholarly debates.
Feasibility
Show that the research and publication plan can realistically be delivered during an 18-month appointment.
Publication pathway
Identify specific expected outputs rather than promising only to “publish research.” State whether the project is expected to produce articles, chapters, a monograph proposal or other defined outputs.
Institutional value
Explain how the applicant will contribute to the School of History and Cultures through research seminars, teaching, collaboration, student supervision and public engagement.
Teaching readiness
Provide specific examples of modules taught, seminars delivered, assessments designed, dissertations supervised or students supported.
African institutional connection
Explain how the Fellowship could support continuing research relationships between the University of Birmingham and the applicant’s home institution.
Equality and inclusion
Provide evidence of creating inclusive teaching, research or workplace environments instead of merely stating support for equality.
Deadline
The official closing date is:
1 September 2026
The live University of Birmingham portal currently displays this deadline. Some older third-party reposts may show an earlier closing date, but applicants should follow the current official vacancy page and apply as soon as possible.
Informal Enquiries
Questions about the academic scope of the Fellowship may be directed to:
Dr Juliet Gilbert
Email: j.gilbert.2@bham.ac.uk
This address is for informal enquiries. Applications must still be submitted through the official online recruitment system.
Applicants may wish to seek clarification regarding matters not stated in the vacancy, including:
- Visa sponsorship;
- Relocation expenses;
- Travel support;
- Accommodation;
- Research funding;
- The expected teaching load;
- The identity or selection of the academic mentor;
- Research-proposal length;
- Permitted start-date flexibility; and
- Documentation required to confirm institutional affiliation.
Conclusion
The University of Birmingham Cadbury Postdoctoral Fellowship in African Studies provides a substantial opportunity for an Africa-based early-career historian to develop an independent research and publication programme in the United Kingdom.
With an 18-month appointment, a starting salary of £36,636 to £46,049, possible progression to £48,822 and opportunities to contribute to both research and teaching, the position can support the Fellow’s development as a scholar, teacher and member of an international academic community.
Eligibility is tightly defined. Applicants must already hold an eligible PhD, must be based on the African continent and must be employed by or affiliated with an African higher education institution. Candidates in permanent academic positions must also provide confirmation that their institution will release them for the duration of the Birmingham appointment.
Qualified applicants should prepare a carefully tailored research proposal, academic CV and supporting statement and submit through the official recruitment portal before 1 September 2026.
For more global opportunities, click HERE.
