We are pleased to announce the introduction of a Postdoctoral Fellowship (PDF) Scheme aimed at those in the immediately postdoctoral stage of their career, to provide the opportunity to consolidate their PhD through developing publications, their networks, and their research and professional skills.

The PDF call forms part of ESRC’s strategy to supporting early career researchers and will be delivered through our national network of Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) and Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs).

The call is open to applicants who have completed their PhD at a research organisation that is part of a DTP or CDT and who are within 12 months of completing their PhD. At the submission deadline, the applicant must either have been awarded a PhD or have submitted their thesis and passed their viva voce with minor corrections, with the expectation that the PhD will be awarded by the fellowship start date.

Call specification, FAQs, and application form will be available on the DTP/CDT websites. All applicants must submit a completed proposal along with the required attachments by 16:00 on 30 March 2018 to the DTP or CDT they are applying to. Each DTP / CDT will peer review the proposals and make funding decisions on behalf of ESRC by June 2018.

For queries, please contact the relevant DTP or CDT. https://ubel-dtp.ac.uk/

DTPs and CDTs were invited to apply to ESRC for funding to award PDFs. This process consisted of submission of a business case, which was assessed by a specially convened panel. Business cases had to address how the DTP or CDT would administer the call and support the development of the fellow.