Honorary Research Fellowships

The Department of Politics hosts a small number of Honorary Research Fellows (HRFs) and welcomes applications from candidates interested in being associated with the Department in this way. HRFs make a valuable contribution to the research life of the Department, involving themselves in internal activities where possible, and contributing valuably to the external profile of our research and expertise. They benefit from the association with the Department and the University of Sheffield, having access to library and other research resources and the opportunity to interact and build profitable collaborations with staff and students.

HRFs are expected to have completed a PhD, to demonstrate an emerging track record of excellent research, and to show clear potential to produce high-quality publications and contribute to the development of research grant applications.

HRFs can be appointed for up to three years. Their positions are not normally renewed after this time, except where a compelling case can be made for an ongoing association. There is no salary or honorarium associated with the Fellowships and HRFs do not have formal ‘employee’ status at the University of Sheffield.

Some current and past HRFs have held appointments in other institutions and employment elsewhere does not preclude application to the Fellowships scheme, but candidates should take care to explain clearly why they are seeking an association with the Department under such circumstances.

In applications for an Honorary Research Fellowship, candidates should supply an up-to-date CV and a covering letter outlining the following:

1. The reasons for applying for an Honorary Research Fellowship, especially in relation to the applicant’s plans for career development
2. The reasons for wishing to be associated with the Department of Politics and the University of Sheffield
3. Why and how, in concrete terms, the applicant believes that s/he would benefit from having an HRF position in the Department of Politics
4. Why and how, in concrete terms, the applicant believes that the Department of Politics would benefit from hosting her or him as an HRF
5. What kinds of research connections and collaborations the applicant hopes to build with colleagues in the Department through the Honorary Research Fellowship
6. The proposed start-date and duration of the Fellowship

Applicants should also request academic references from two referees, which should be sent separately by the referees to the e-mail addresses indicated below.