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CFAs: Postdoctoral Fellowships for Academic Jewish Studies

Deadline: 13-Jan-2026

The Rothschild Foundation Hanadiv Europe (RFHE) invites applications for its Postdoctoral Fellowships Programme to support Jewish Studies research at European institutions. Grants of up to £40,000 per year fund a two-year postdoctoral fellowship, including salary, research, and travel costs. Applications close January 13, 2026, with notifications by mid-May 2026.

RFHE Postdoctoral Fellowships Programme

Overview

The Postdoctoral Fellowships Programme enables European universities and heritage institutions to employ a postdoctoral researcher in Jewish Studies. The fellowship promotes advanced research, collaboration, and academic networking through seminars and workshops organized by RFHE.

Fellows are expected to contribute to the institution’s Jewish Studies program, engage with local communities, and disseminate their research to wider audiences.

Why It Matters

The programme:

  • Strengthens academic excellence in Jewish Studies across Europe

  • Encourages research on underexplored or contemporary topics, including European Jewish life

  • Supports professional development of early-career scholars

  • Fosters cross-institutional collaboration and knowledge-sharing

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

  • European institutions (excluding Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine) with a focus on Jewish Studies

  • Postdoctoral candidates who have completed their PhD within seven years or plan to submit by June 2026

Exclusions:

  • Projects tangentially related to Jewish Studies

  • Studies of individuals whose Jewish identity is incidental

  • Secondary or informal education projects and documentary films

Funding Details

  • Grant Amount: Up to £40,000 per year for two years

  • Eligible Costs: Fellow’s salary, social security, benefits, taxes, research and travel expenses

  • Ineligible Costs: Institutional overheads such as building maintenance, insurance, or general administration

  • Institutions must ensure total coverage of all associated costs and align salaries with local postdoctoral norms

How to Apply / How it Works

  1. Submit the Application Form and supporting documentation by Tuesday, 13 January 2026.

  2. Provide two external referees unaffiliated with the host institution; submissions are due Tuesday, 20 January 2026.

  3. Required documents include:

    • Proof of not-for-profit status

    • Detailed budget and salary evidence

    • Citizenship or residency proof

    • CV of the candidate

    • Academic transcripts

    • Full research proposal (up to 3,000 words)

  4. Each university may submit only one application per cycle.

Programme Activities

Fellows will:

  • Participate in online seminars, workshops, and skills-based training

  • Present research to academic peers and community audiences

  • Engage in collaborative networks with other RFHE fellowship recipients

Selection Criteria

  • Academic merit and research excellence

  • Alignment of project with Jewish Studies priorities, especially contemporary European Jewish life or digital humanities

  • Potential for geographic mobility and career advancement

  • Institutional support and integration with the host department

Expected Outcomes

  • Strengthened postdoctoral research capacity in Jewish Studies

  • Enhanced departmental programming and engagement with local communities

  • Creation of high-quality research outputs in Jewish Studies

  • Networking and professional development opportunities for fellows

Common Tips

  • Ensure the fellowship strengthens the host institution’s Jewish Studies program

  • Include a realistic budget covering all fellow-related costs

  • Highlight community engagement and dissemination plans

  • Verify timely submission of referee forms

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can host a postdoctoral fellow?
European universities and heritage institutions, excluding Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine.

2. What topics are eligible?
Any topic within Jewish Studies, with preference for contemporary European Jewish life and digital humanities.

3. What is the grant amount?
Up to £40,000 per year for two years, covering salary, research, and travel costs.

4. Are overhead costs covered?
No, institutional overheads such as building maintenance and administrative expenses are ineligible.

5. When are applications due?
Application: 13 January 2026; referee submissions: 20 January 2026.

6. Who qualifies as a postdoctoral candidate?
Applicants who have completed their PhD within seven years or plan to submit by June 2026.

7. When will awards be announced?
Notifications will be sent by mid-May 2026.

Conclusion

The RFHE Postdoctoral Fellowships Programme provides vital support for European institutions to advance Jewish Studies research, nurture early-career scholars, and enhance academic and public engagement. By funding salaries, research, and travel, the programme ensures high-quality scholarship while strengthening the long-term impact of Jewish Studies departments across Europe.

For more information, visit Rothschild Foundation Hanadiv Europe.