The Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh invites applications for its Postdoctoral Fellowships for the 2026–2027 academic year. These prestigious fellowships support early-career scholars in the arts, humanities, and social sciences who wish to pursue independent research within an intellectually vibrant, interdisciplinary environment. The next application round, covering research visits between August 2026 and July 2027, closes at 17:00 GMT on 24 April 2026. About IASH Established in 1969, IASH fosters high-level interdisciplinary inquiry across the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Located in one of the world’s most intellectually stimulating cities, Edinburgh, the Institute has hosted over 1,250 fellows from more than 65 countries since its founding. The IASH community includes early-career researchers, mid-career academics, and senior scholars who come together to share ideas and collaborate on cutting-edge research. Fellows are based in IASH’s distinctive nineteenth-century building on the edge of the University’s central campus, overlooking the Meadows. With a mix of independent workspace and vibrant scholarly exchange, IASH offers a unique environment for deep research, reflection, and engagement with a diverse community of thinkers. What the Fellowship Offers The IASH Postdoctoral Fellowship provides a supportive setting for developing innovative and impactful research. Fellows benefit from: A three- to ten-month research visit at the University of Edinburgh between August 2026 and July 2027. A bursary of up to £20,000, which may supplement other awards or contribute to living expenses. Dedicated office space, University of Edinburgh email account, and full library and digital access. An allocated University mentor aligned with the Fellow’s area of research. Participation in a weekly Fellows’ Lunch to foster scholarly community. Involvement in the work-in-progress seminar series, allowing Fellows to present and refine their ideas. Opportunities to organize workshops, colloquia, or public engagement events supported by IASH. Access to the Institute’s calendar of academic and social events. No teaching is required, though Fellows may arrange limited teaching duties independently (up to 0.4 FTE) to complement their fellowship. Fellows must be in residence in Edinburgh for the duration of their award and are expected to engage fully in the Institute’s activities. Specialised Postdoctoral Fellowships Alongside the general Postdoctoral Fellowships, IASH offers several targeted opportunities. Applicants are encouraged to apply for one or more of these thematic fellowships if their research aligns with specific focus areas: Public Engagement Fellowship – for scholars seeking to enhance their outreach and knowledge exchange skills. Daiches-Manning Memorial Fellowship in 18th-Century Scottish Studies – for historians working on 18th-century Scotland. Digital Scholarship Postdoctoral Fellowship – for researchers exploring digital humanities, digital education, or digital social sciences. IASH-Alwaleed Postdoctoral Fellowship – for studies in contemporary Islam and Muslim cultures. IASH-CTPI Duncan Forrester Fellowship – for research in public theology, peacebuilding, migration, or environmental ethics. Heritage Collections Research Fellowship – for scholars using underexplored collections at the University of Edinburgh or the National Museums Scotland. GENDER.ED Postdoctoral Fellowship – for projects focused on gender and sexualities studies. RACE.ED Stuart Hall Foundation Fellowship – for research engaging with the ideas and legacy of Stuart Hall. If an application to a specific fellowship is not selected, it will automatically be considered in the general pool of IASH Postdoctoral Fellowships. Eligibility Criteria Applications are open to scholars worldwide, including those from outside the University of Edinburgh. Applicants must: Hold a doctorate awarded between 2023 and 2026. Earlier graduates may be eligible if they have taken significant career breaks (such as parental leave or other time away from academia). Provide evidence of PhD completion, such as a letter of eligibility to graduate, if not yet formally awarded. Not hold a permanent academic position at a university. Not have previously held a fellowship at IASH. Demonstrate academic excellence, originality, and the potential to engage with the University of Edinburgh’s research community. Applications from all disciplines within the arts, humanities, and social sciences are welcome. Preference will be given to candidates proposing innovative and interdisciplinary projects and those who can show prior contact or collaboration with researchers at the University of Edinburgh. Application Procedure Deadline: 17:00 GMT, 24 April 2026Notification of Results: July 2026 Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. How to Apply Application Form: The online application portal will open in December 2025. A link will be available on the IASH website. Additional supporting documents should be emailed to iash@ed.ac.uk. References: Applicants must provide two to three confidential references. Referees should email their signed letters directly to the Director at iash@ed.ac.uk by 24 April 2026. One referee must certify successful completion and defense (viva) of the candidate’s PhD. References should comment on the applicant’s academic record, research proposal, and overall suitability for the fellowship. Supporting Materials: Applicants must include a research proposal, a curriculum vitae, and details of any collaboration with University of Edinburgh staff. All applications must be complete and submitted by the closing date. Incomplete or late submissions will not be reviewed. Selection and Evaluation Applications are assessed based on: Academic excellence and the quality of previous research and publications. Originality and timeliness of the proposed project. Relevance to the University of Edinburgh’s research environment. Potential for engagement and dissemination of research outcomes. IASH encourages applicants to design projects that foster interdisciplinary connections, promote knowledge exchange, and contribute to the wider public understanding of research. Important Notes for Fellows Fellows are expected to make IASH their main place of work during the fellowship period. They must reside in Edinburgh and participate actively in the academic life of the Institute. Fieldwork or prolonged absences outside central Scotland are discouraged. Fellows will deliver at least one seminar presentation and submit a final report summarizing their research outcomes. Upcoming Information Session A webinar for prospective applicants will be held in December 2025. The session will feature representatives from partner organizations, as well as IASH staff, who will offer practical advice on crafting competitive applications and insight into the facilities and funding available. The recording will be posted online for later viewing. Why Apply? An IASH Postdoctoral Fellowship offers more than time and space for research—it provides entry into a thriving network of global scholars and the opportunity to build lasting professional connections. Situated at the heart of the University of Edinburgh, IASH fosters an environment where creative inquiry, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public engagement thrive. Application Deadline: 24 April 2026, 17:00 GMTFellowship Duration: August 2026 – July 2027Eligibility: Recent PhD graduates (2023–2026) in arts, humanities, or social sciencesBursary: Up to £20,000Contact: iash@ed.ac.uk For detailed information and updates, visit the official IASH Postdoctoral Fellowship webpage on the University of Edinburgh site. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the fellowship organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications 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.