Samchully Hallyu Social Science Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The Oxford School of Global and Area Studies (OSGA) invites applications for a three-year fixed-term Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in the economic and social science dimensions of the Korean Wave (Hallyu), commencing on 1 October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

This Fellowship forms part of the Hallyu South Korean Studies Programme and offers an exciting opportunity for an early career researcher to develop an independent and internationally recognised research profile. The successful candidate will undertake innovative research on the contemporary Korean economy and the global economic impact of Korean cultural industries, contributing to Oxford’s growing leadership in interdisciplinary South Korean Studies.

Working closely with Professor Jieun Kiaer and colleagues across OSGA and the wider University, the postholder will play an active role in shaping the intellectual direction of Hallyu Studies at Oxford.

About You

You will be an early career scholar who has recently completed, or is close to completing, a PhD in Economics or a related social science discipline (such as Political Economy, Economic Sociology, Cultural Economy, or Marketing and Consumer Studies).

You will have a clear and compelling research agenda that engages with the economic and social science aspects of Hallyu, and demonstrates strong potential to contribute to debates on:

• The role of Korean cultural industries (e.g. K-pop, film, television, gaming, digital media) in the global economy
• The relationship between culture, markets, and economic development in contemporary South Korea
• The transnational dynamics of cultural consumption, branding, and digital platforms

You will be able to demonstrate evidence of, or strong potential for, high-quality academic publications, the ability to communicate research effectively, both in writing and through presentations and a commitment to teaching and graduate supervision. You will have the ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary environment

The Role

The successful candidate will:

• Develop and deliver an independent programme of research on the Korean Wave and its economic dimensions
• Publish high-quality research outputs in leading journals and academic presses
• Contribute to teaching, including a seminar on the Contemporary Korean Economy
• Participate in graduate supervision within OSGA and related faculties
• Organise and contribute to academic activities, including a Hallyu Seminar Series and international research events
• Engage with scholars, policymakers, and industry stakeholders working on Korean cultural industries

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford provides a vibrant and supportive academic environment, alongside a wide range of benefits, including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• An excellent pension scheme
• Family-friendly policies
• Access to professional development, research networks, and interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted via the University of Oxford’s online recruitment system.

You will be required to provide:

• A CV
• A supporting statement addressing the selection criteria
• A research proposal outlining your proposed project during the Fellowship

Further details, including the full job description and selection criteria, are available in the accompanying documentation. We request that candidates do not submit any published work at this stage.

For initial queries about the post, visas and application process please contact the HR Office at recruitment@area.ox.ac.uk . Any queries about the post that are non-administrative should be addressed to Professor Rebekah Lee at Rebekah.Lee@africa.ox.ac.uk .

All enquiries will be treated in strict confidence; they will not form part of the selection decision. The successful candidates will be offered visa application support, if required, to allow them to apply to appropriate sponsorship schemes from the UK or from overseas.

If you, as an applicant, require reasonable adjustments to be made in the interview process, please do reach out and discuss this with our HR team at recruitment@area.ox.ac.uk . We will do our best to facilitate and accommodate reasonable adjustments.

OSGA is committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment. We particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented backgrounds and are committed to supporting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of academic life.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon (UK time) on Friday 24th April 2026. Only applications received by this time can be considered. 

Interviews are expected to be held online during the week commencing 18th May 2026.