The Centre for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (CRASSH) at the University of Cambridge has opened applications for the Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship 2027, offering outstanding early career researchers the opportunity to undertake independent research within one of the world’s leading universities. Supported through a partnership between the Leverhulme Trust and the Isaac Newton Trust, the fellowship provides competitive salary funding, research support, and an exceptional interdisciplinary environment for scholars in the arts, social sciences, digital humanities, geopolitics, and pandemic risk management. Applications must be submitted to CRASSH by 12:00 noon (UK time) on Friday, 16 October 2026. About the Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship The Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship is one of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious postdoctoral research programmes, designed to help exceptional researchers establish independent academic careers. Fellows are hosted at the University of Cambridge and benefit from mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and access to Cambridge’s internationally renowned research community. For the 2027 competition, the Isaac Newton Trust will provide matched funding for successful Cambridge-based applicants, with fellowships expected to commence between 1 September 2027 and 1 May 2028. Within CRASSH, fellows will be hosted by one of three participating research centres: Centre for Geopolitics Cambridge Digital Humanities Centre for Pandemic Risk Management Applicants are expected to demonstrate why their chosen CRASSH Centre provides the ideal intellectual environment for their proposed research project. Eligibility Criteria Before applying, candidates must carefully ensure they satisfy the Leverhulme Trust’s eligibility requirements. Applicants must: Complete their doctorate before the fellowship begins. Submit their doctoral thesis for viva voce by the Leverhulme deadline (expected in early or mid-February 2027). Have a thesis submission date no earlier than four years before the Leverhulme deadline, unless eligible career breaks can be demonstrated. Hold a degree from a UK university or have held a qualifying UK academic position for at least four months before the application deadline. Have less than three years of independent postdoctoral research experience. Not currently hold, or previously have held, a full-time permanent academic position involving research at a UK university or equivalent institution. Not hold another stipendiary fellowship alongside the Early Career Fellowship. Applicants should consult the full Leverhulme Trust eligibility guidance before preparing their submission. Research Areas and Host Centres CRASSH welcomes proposals that align with the expertise of its participating centres, providing fellows with an interdisciplinary platform to develop innovative research. Available host centres include: Centre for Geopolitics – Research on international politics, global governance, conflict, and strategic affairs. Cambridge Digital Humanities – Digital methods, computational humanities, cultural heritage, and interdisciplinary digital scholarship. Centre for Pandemic Risk Management – Pandemic preparedness, public policy, resilience, and global health governance. Applicants may nominate a mentor from another Cambridge department or faculty, even if the mentor is not directly affiliated with the selected CRASSH Centre. Fellowship Benefits Successful fellows will receive: Competitive University of Cambridge salary Multi-year early career research appointment Matched funding through the Isaac Newton Trust Mentorship from leading Cambridge academics Access to CRASSH’s interdisciplinary research community Opportunities to develop independent research and international collaborations Fellows are normally appointed at Scale Point 41, with annual progression during the fellowship. Researchers with significant postdoctoral experience may qualify for a higher starting salary, subject to funding limits. Required Application Documents Applicants must submit a complete application through the CRASSH online system by the deadline. The application package includes: Completed CRASSH cover sheet Two-page academic CV List of major publications (maximum one page) Current research statement (maximum 250 words) Detailed research proposal (maximum two pages, including references) In addition, two confidential letters of reference must be uploaded directly by referees, with at least one referee based outside the University of Cambridge. Overlength applications will not be considered. Selection Process Applications will undergo an internal Cambridge competition to determine which candidates receive Isaac Newton Trust match funding before progressing to the Leverhulme Trust competition. Strong applications typically demonstrate: An original and high-quality research project Academic excellence and publication potential A compelling fit with the chosen CRASSH Centre Clear interdisciplinary engagement Strong mentorship and institutional support Candidates should clearly explain how their research will benefit from Cambridge’s unique intellectual environment. Important Deadlines StageDeadlineCRASSH application submission16 October 2026, 12:00 noon (UK time)Referee letters submission16 October 2026, 17:00 (UK time)Fellowship start period1 September 2027 – 1 May 2028 Why This Fellowship Stands Out The Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship offers more than postdoctoral funding—it provides a launchpad for independent academic leadership at one of the world’s highest-ranked research institutions. With dedicated mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and prestigious Leverhulme and Isaac Newton Trust support, the programme is ideal for outstanding early career researchers seeking to establish internationally impactful research careers. Eligible scholars in the arts, humanities and social sciences are encouraged to prepare competitive proposals and submit their applications before 16 October 2026. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.