Postdoctoral Funding Opportunities for Archaeology in the UK

It's fair to say that in order to be competitive for most permanent academic posts in the UK (and elsewhere), you're likely to need to complete a postdoc after you finish your PhD. But postdocs aren’t just a stepping stone, they’re a chance to define your research identity, build collaborations, and (let’s be honest) keep the lights on while you publish your thesis work. The best fellowships give you time, resources, and freedom to explore big ideas and really grow into independence. I have written recently about the differences between PDRA posts and Fellowships, which you may find helpful if you are not familiar with the difference between these. This post is looking specifically at Fellowship opportunities. 

Back in 2018, I wrote a post about postdoctoral funding for archaeologists, which became one of the most read items in the entire blog. The advice in that post still stands, but a lot has changed since then, new schemes have emerged, old ones have evolved, and the hot topics now include interdisciplinary, heritage science, and even AI. If you’re finishing your PhD or in the early stages of your career, here’s an updated guide to fellowships that are available in the UK for archaeologists.

1. British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship

A three-year fellowship for humanities and social sciences, including archaeology. It’s designed for researchers who want to develop an independent project and gain teaching experience. The British Academy looks for strong research proposals with clear intellectual significance and career development potential.

2. British Academy International Fellowship

Similar to the 3 year fellowships, this scheme is aimed at people who did not complete their PhD at a UK university. Unlike the standard fellowship, this one is only for 2 years, and there is more focus on networking and transfer of new skills and knowledge through training and career development (if training interests you, see also the MSCA Fellowship below, and Newton International Fellowship).

3. Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowship

This scheme offers three years of funding for innovative research across any discipline. Leverhulme is looking for originality and ambition, projects that push boundaries and open new directions, and is known for funding brilliant blue skies thinking and interdisciplinary ideas that do not fit well into traditional funder categories. I think archaeology lends itself really well to Leverhulme, as a discipline we do a lot of crossing disciplinary boundaries.

4. Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA)

EU-funded fellowships supporting mobility and advanced training for researchers at all career stages. They want projects that strengthen international collaboration and skills development. Archaeological science proposals often succeed when they combine technical innovation with cultural heritage impact. Fit with the host institution is extremely important, and the two way transfer of knowledge and skills.

5. UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship

A major UK scheme offering up to four years of funding for ambitious, interdisciplinary research. They also provide additional funding if the first four years are completed successfully. UKRI looks for bold ideas that could transform a field and establish you as an independent leader. Perfect for archaeological scientists working on big themes like climate resilience, AI imaging, or sustainability. I would say this one requires a bit more experience than a recently completed PhD is likely to have, they are looking for people who are already demonstrating impendence and leadership, but there is technically no specific time requirement.

6. Wellcome Early Career Award

Up to five years of support for research that advances health and wellbeing. Wellcome encourages projects that cross disciplinary boundaries, and also fund humanities and history focused projects. Archaeology can fit here if you link to health, disease history, or environmental impacts on human health, which of course many of us do - and not just people working on human remains. They want strong potential for leadership and societal relevance.

7. Royal Society University Research Fellowships

The Royal Society target natural sciences but can work for archaeological science with strong analytical or technical components. They look for originality, scientific excellence, and potential for leadership.

8. Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowships and 9. Career Development Fellowships

Another Royal Society fellowship, these schemes are specifically to support people who require flexible working due to family commitments, and for under-represented groups. See also Daphne Jackson Fellowship below for those who are retuning to research and require flexible working.

10. Royal Society JSPS (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science) Postdoctoral Fellowship

Up to 2 years for collaborative research in Japan with leading academic groups and research institutions under the supervision of a Japanese host researcher. The scheme is designed to support postdoctoral researchers in developing their independent research careers while fostering international research collaboration and contributing to scientific advancement in both Japan and the fellows’ home countries.

11. Newton International Fellowship

For non-UK based researchers who want to come and do research in the UK for 2 years. You can apply either through British Academy or Royal Society depending on the topic. Archaeology can make the case for either route, but do talk to potential supervisors about which is the best option for your project and background.

12. NERC Independent Research Fellowship

Designed to help early-career environmental scientists transition into independent research leaders, this flagship fellowship offers up to five years of funding, including salary, consumables, and travel. Applicants must hold (or be nearing submission of) a PhD, demonstrate leadership potential, and propose a unique project aligned with NERC's remit. Archaeological science falls under this remit, but again it is worth talking to potential hosts about your topic, usually they fund very environmentally focused projects, soil science etc.

13. UKRI Daphne Jackson Fellowships 

These fellowships support researchers returning from a career break, offering tailored, part-time fellowships typically spanning two years. The focus is on re-establishing research careers and training, with NERC and AHRC among the participating research councils.

The key thing to remember for all of these, is to carefully check the eligibility requirements, and think carefully about your host institution, and supervisor/mentor. The right host can mean the difference for a successful fellowship. Also pay attention to submission deadlines, noting that most institutions have their own internal deadlines which can be at least a month or more before the funder deadline - this is to make sure all the finances and planning are checked and approved.