Applications in all areas of philosophy are invited from suitably qualified researchers in the early stages of an academic career who wish to base their research in the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Oxford. A previous connection with the University is not required: indeed, according to the Leverhulme Trust website,
"The Trust believes that the development of an academic career is best served by gaining experience at different institutions. Applicants who have not already moved institutions in the course of their academic career (i.e. between their undergraduate university and proposed host institution) should nominate a new host institution, or otherwise demonstrate clear evidence of the academic and/or personal reasons for remaining at the same institution, such as access to highly specialist equipment or a highly specialised research team."
Thus applications are particularly welcome from those who are currently working elsewhere. The Faculty will hold an internal competition to decide which applications will be put forward under the scheme, so applicants should not approach the Leverhulme Trust until Faculty support is confirmed in writing.
The scheme is aimed at scholars who are at a relatively early stage of their academic careers, defined as those who have not yet held a full-time permanent academic post in a UK institution and who submitted their doctoral thesis for viva voce examination normally not more than four years prior to the application closing date of 23rd February 2023. Due to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic the Trust will accept applications from candidates who submitted their doctoral thesis for examination up to five years prior to the closing date if they can make a case for their work having been impacted by the pandemic.
Candidates should have a proven record of research but are welcome to provide information on any circumstances which may have impacted it. The objective is for Fellows to undertake a significant piece of publishable research during the tenure of the award; hence the project put forward should not be a reworking or mere extension of the candidate’s doctoral research project. For more information on the scheme, including eligibility, please see the Leverhulme Trust website.
Applications should be sent electronically to adminofficer@philosophy.ox.ac.uk by midday on Tuesday 3rd January 2023 and marked Leverhulme ECF 2023 in the subject header. They should comprise:
1. A maximum two-page CV including education, publications, any awards, thesis title and examiners;
2. A maximum two-page draft statement of research (which should use similar headings to that in the Leverhulme scheme’s notes of guidance);
3. A 150 word abstract summarising the research for a general audience;
4. An indication of what additional research expenses may be claimed.
Candidates are also asked to identify a mentor for their project from among the permanent members of the Faculty of Philosophy. More details about members of the Faculty of Philosophy can be found here. When you have identified a mentor, please ask them to email adminofficer@philosophy.ox.ac.uk to confirm their support for your application. Please note, however, that you should not expect any input from them at this stage.
What happens next?
Once the Faculty has considered the applications it receives and forwarded the recommendations to the Humanities Division, the successful applicant(s) will then be supported by the Divisional Research Facilitators in the completion of the full application to the Leverhulme Trust. A Divisional Workshop with selected applicants will take place on Wednesday 18th January 2023.
