Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowships

The Faculty of Social Sciences is supporting applications for this scheme in the following departments, schools and institutes:

• School of Architecture and Landscape 

• School of Economics

• School of Education

• School of Geography and Planning

• School of Information, Journalism and Communication

• Department of Politics and International Relations 

• School of Sociological Studies, Politics and International Relations  

• Urban Institute

You can find out more about a department/school/institute, and their specific research interests, by following the links above and exploring the ‘Research’ pages. 

We welcome Expressions of Interest from outstanding early career researchers, who meet the eligibility criteria of the Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship Scheme, and whose research interests align with the relevant department/school/institute above. Specifically, we seek candidates with an excellent academic record; a strong publications profile; and innovative and ambitious research ideas. 

Expressions of Interest should consist of the following:

1. Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages) – including academic qualifications (with degree outcomes specified), research record (publications, presentations, impact, research leadership if appropriate) and current salary;
2. Outline research proposal (max. 2 pages) – indicating originality and contribution to the discipline, theoretical contexts, methods, resources and planned outputs;
3. Research relevant to your proposal being carried out in the host department (max. 200 words) – Highlight how your proposal aligns with department/school/institute research interests and the interests of existing staff. Within this section please state the department/school/institute you are applying to, your discipline, and identify a potential mentor. To find a potential mentor, please consult the relevant staff pages of the school/department/institute website (linked above) and use the contact details there.
4. Eligibility statement (max. 200 words) – confirm on what basis you are eligible for the 2026 scheme.  For the full eligibility criteria, please see this document. It is your responsibility to confirm your eligibility.
5. Details of international travel/fieldwork plans - If your proposal includes international travel and/or fieldwork, please include the following detail;

• Exact location(s)
• Number of trips
• Duration of each trip
• Which month of the project the trip(s) will likely occur 

Expressions of Interest should be sent as a single PDF document to Madeleine Cook (email: built-environment-research-hub@sheffield.ac.uk) by 10th October 2025.

Selection decisions will be communicated to applicants by 14th November 2025. 

Selected candidates will be supported in developing their application for a Fellowship, leading up to the submission of applications to the Leverhulme Trust by the scheme deadline of 19th February 2026. 

For enquiries about this opportunity please contact the Built Environment Research Hub on the above email address in the first instance.