University of Oxford Postdoctoral Research Fellow in African Studies 2026

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Call for applications for the University of Oxford Postdoctoral Research Fellow in African Studies 2026

The African Studies Centre Oxford, housed within the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies at the University of Oxford, is offering a prestigious Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in African Studies for a two-year fixed-term period. This opportunity is designed to support early-career scholars in advancing their academic trajectory while contributing to cutting-edge research on Africa’s place in the global order.

The fellowship provides a platform for the successful candidate to develop and implement an independent and ambitious research agenda under the supervision of Rita Abrahamsen, Chair of African Studies. The central thematic focus, “Africa and the World,” encourages scholars to explore Africa’s interactions with global, comparative, and transnational processes. Applicants from across the social sciences and humanities are invited to contribute innovative perspectives that position Africa within broader global debates.

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The selected fellow will be expected to produce high-quality academic outputs, including publications in leading peer-reviewed journals and academic presses. In addition to conducting research, the fellow will actively engage in presenting their work at conferences, seminars, and academic forums, thereby enhancing both their scholarly profile and that of the Centre. The role also involves contributing to the intellectual life of the institution by organising seminars, supporting conferences, and fostering collaborative research initiatives.

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Teaching and mentorship form another important component of the fellowship. The postholder will contribute to graduate teaching within African Studies by offering a specialised course aligned with their expertise and supervising master’s dissertations, particularly within the MSc in African Studies programme. This engagement allows the fellow to gain valuable academic teaching experience while supporting the next generation of scholars.

Beyond research and teaching, the fellow will play a key role in strengthening the Centre’s research theme and maintaining its position as a leading hub for African Studies globally. The position emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, intellectual leadership, and active participation in a vibrant academic community.

Overall, this fellowship represents a significant opportunity for early-career researchers to deepen their expertise, expand their academic networks, and contribute to shaping contemporary scholarship on Africa in a global context.