Merton College proposes to appoint up to three three-year, fixed-term Early Career Researchers from 1 October 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. Two will be in the fields of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History; one in Mathematics or Computer Science. The posts are available to early career researchers and are intended to provide opportunities for the successful applicants to establish a research profile and to help prepare postholders for academic careers. 

The Early Career Researchers are expected to undertake a high-quality programme of original research in one of the subjects specified above, to publicise outcomes and to engage in the academic life of the College. They may also undertake a limited amount of teaching.  

Candidates should hold a recently completed doctorate or be close to completion of a doctorate and will have submitted their thesis no later than 3 months before the start date. Those who formally submitted their doctoral thesis for viva voce examination before 1 October 2022 are not eligible, unless they have had a career break or if there are other exceptional circumstances. Those whose doctorate interrupted their professional training, should have completed their professional training since 1 October 2022.