The Department of Sociology seeks to appoint two Postdoctoral Research Fellows (PRFs) in Sociology, commencing in September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. One position is intended for a researcher with a primarily quantitative focus and the other with a primarily qualitative focus.

 

We particularly welcome applications from candidates whose work, or planned work, falls within the broad research interests of one or more members of the Department's faculty. Further information about faculty research areas can be found on Our People | Department of Sociology webpage.

 

The fellowships are available for up to four years, until 30 September 2030.

 

The key responsibilities of the PRFs are to pursue independent scholarly research, to apply for internal and external research funds, to take part in the intellectual life of the Department and to undertake a limited amount of teaching. The nature and direction of the research will be wholly under the control of the Research Fellow, and the Department will appoint an academic mentor to provide support and advice.

 

PRFs will be expected to play an active role in activities that support their integration into the life of the Department and the wider Oxford academic community. They will therefore be encouraged to organise and contribute to research events, including workshops and a seminar series.

 

The Department is committed to building a diverse and inclusive academic community. We particularly encourage applications from groups that are underrepresented in academic posts at the University of Oxford, including women, disabled people, and people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. Appointments will be made on the basis of personal merit and criteria relevant to the post only. Subject to statutory provisions, no applicant will be treated less favourably than another on grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

 

Requests for further information about these posts should be addressed to the Head of Department, Colin Mills, at colin.mills@sociology.ox.ac.uk.  Interviews are expected to take place in the week commencing 7th September 2026.