BU Research Blog

The ESRC invites applications for 9-month postdoctoral fellowships (PDF) to be based at the SWDTP institutions of University of Bath, University of Bristol, University of Exeter, Plymouth University, University of West of England, Bath Spa University, Bournemouth University and Plymouth Marjon University.

Fellowships are aimed at providing a development opportunity for social science researchers in the immediate postdoctoral stage of their career, to consolidate their PhD through developing publications, their networks, and their professional skills.

At Bournemouth University, we run a dual stage application process. Candidates must be aligned to one of the SWDTP pathways to which BU belong. For BU, this means that we would be able to support applicants in one of three pathways:

• Climate Change, Sustainability & Society – Pathway Leads: Dr Sarah Upson (supson@bournemouth.ac.uk) & Dr Stephen Axon (saxon@bournemouth.ac.uk)

• Health, Wellbeing & Society– Pathway Lead: Professor Michael Silk (msilk@bournemouth.ac.uk)

• Psychology– Pathway Lead: Professor John McAlaney (jmcalaney@bournemouth.ac.uk)

We ask potential candidates to complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) form. The deadline for submitting the EOI form is Friday 24 April, 2026. The form is available from the pathway leads.

Prior to submission of your EOI it is a good idea to have identified a mentor who will support you to develop your application. If you are uncertain on how to identify a mentor, then please contact one of the pathway leads listed above.

Following a review of all EOI received, we will nominate successful applicants (capped at 2) and support the development of a full application to the ESRC (via the SWDTP). The full application is due on Monday 1 June 2026. Only nominated applicants are able to complete this second stage.

For further information, please refer to the SWDTP web pages dedicated to the postdoctoral fellowships award.

Please also note that you can register for an online information event hosted by the SWDTP. This takes place at 1pm on Monday 30 March 2026. (A recording, slides and full eligibility criteria will be available on the SWDTP website).

Please submit EOI by Friday 24 April 2026 to: SWDTP@bournemouth.ac.uk and cc: msilk@bournemouth.ac.uk