Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship 2027 | Manchester Metropolitan University

Applications are open for the Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship. Manchester Metropolitan University hosts this scheme through joint Trust and university funding. It supports researchers who haven’t yet held a permanent academic post. Fellows spend three years completing a significant, publishable research project.

Program Snapshot

• Host Organization: Manchester Metropolitan University, with the Leverhulme Trust
• Funding: Three years’ salary, plus up to £6,000 yearly for research
• Starting Salary: Grade 8, spine point 32, currently £41,064
• Internal Deadline: Expression of Interest due 9 October 2026
• External Deadline: Full submission to the Trust by 18 February 2027
• Selection: Up to two MMU nominations progress externally

Focus Areas

• Independent, publishable research across any discipline
• Building toward a permanent academic career
• Support transitioning between academic institutions
• Mentored development ahead of external submission

About the Fellowship

This scheme helps early-career researchers bridge into permanent posts. The Leverhulme Trust and host universities jointly fund each Fellow’s salary. Manchester Metropolitan runs its own internal nomination process first. Only successful nominees proceed to the Trust’s national competition.

What Fellows Receive

Fellows receive full salary support across the three-year fellowship term. An additional £6,000 yearly covers direct research expenses. Successful applicants also get mentorship from MMU’s Research Development Team. Support continues through to the external Leverhulme Trust submission.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must hold a doctorate, or have submitted for viva by the deadline. Candidates cannot have held a permanent academic post previously. Doctoral submission must fall within four years of the deadline. Applicants should typically be moving to a new host institution.

Required Materials

Applicants first submit an Expression of Interest to their School or Department. Prospective hosts help candidates complete this internal form. Selected nominees then prepare a full application for the Trust deadline.

How to Apply

Contact your relevant School or Department research contact directly. Submit your Expression of Interest by 9 October 2026.

#339966;">#339966;" href="https://www.mmu.ac.uk/research/fellowship-opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click Here to Apply

Conclusion

This fellowship offers genuinely funded time to build an independent research career. Its two-stage process rewards early planning and strong departmental support. Interested researchers should contact their department well before the October deadline.

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