Addison Wheeler Fellowships
Durham University invites applications for six Addison Wheeler Fellowships, 36-month postdoctoral positions commencing on 1 October 2026. This scheme is intended to provide early career researchers of outstanding promise with an opportunity to complete a major project. It is open to scholars from any discipline and of any nationality.
Prospective applicants must hold a doctoral degree at the time of application, and have gained it no earlier than 1 September 2020. They are expected to demonstrate an outstanding track record of prior achievement and a high degree of preparedness to undertake a novel and ambitious programme of independent research.
To apply, you must first secure the agreement of a Durham academic department to propose your candidacy and of an academic staff member within that department to act as your mentor. This agreement should be sought well in advance of the deadline below as departments may need time to select candidates to support ahead of the deadline.
The project undertaken during the fellowship should complement and strengthen the host department’s research activities, and aim to make ‘a significant contribution to knowledge, enabling us to make better use of our life here on Earth’, in accordance with the terms of the bequest that funds the scheme.
Addison Wheeler Fellows will be employed in the University on a non-renewable fixed-term contract and appointed at a point on the Grade 7 scale commensurate with their experience only. Starting salaries will be in the range £38,784 - £46,049 p.a only.
Fellows have access to additional funding to facilitate research activities such as fieldwork and conference attendance (up to £1500 per annum for travel, and up to £5000 per annum for research activities).
For further details about this scheme and how to apply please consult the 'Addison Wheeler Further Particulars' document below.
Closing date for applications: midnight 12.00 GMT 26 March 2026 (See Oracle vacancy number 26000103).
Information for Applicants
Information for Durham Mentors/Heads of Department/Directors of Research
- AWF Further Particulars
- AWF Nomination Form (staff only)
- AWF FAOs for Hosts (staff only)
- AWF Assessment Guidance for Departments (staff only)
