Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowships

Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowships 2023-25

The Society for the Humanities will sponsor two postdoctoral teaching-research fellowships in the humanities, each awarded for the two-year period beginning August 2022. Each fellowship offers a stipend of $56,000/year. While in residence at Cornell, Mellon Postdoctoral Fellows hold department affiliations and joint appointments with the Society for the Humanities, have limited teaching duties, and the opportunity for scholarly work. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellows are invited to attend all of the Society’s events, and are expected to participate in the Society’s weekly Wednesday Fellows Seminar and luncheon. 

Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowships are available in two areas of specialization this year, in the departments of Philosophy and Africana Studies. 

Philosophy

With the sponsorship of the Society for the Humanities, the Sage School of Philosophy at Cornell University invites applications for a two-year Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship position beginning August 1, 2023. The fellowship offers a stipend of $56,000/year. 

Applicants should hold a PhD in Philosophy before the start date.  AOS is open, but we are especially interested in the areas of (1) Philosophy of Science, (2) Social and Political Philosophy including Philosophy of Race, and (3) Asian Philosophy.  The fellow will teach one lower-level and one upper-level course each year in their AOS.  Upper-level courses will be seminars open to graduate as well as upper-level undergraduates and may reflect the fellow’s research.  

Fellows spend their time in research and writing during the residential fellowship, and are required to participate in a weekly Fellows Seminar with other Fellows at the Society for the Humanities workshopping each other’s projects.

Review of applications will begin November 15 2022.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants eligible for the Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years include those who have received the Ph.D. degree after September 1, 2017 and no later than June 30, 2023.  Applicants who do not have the Ph.D. in hand at the time of application must include a letter from the committee chair or department stating that the Ph.D. degree will be conferred before the term of the fellowship begins. International applicants are welcome to apply, contingent upon visa eligibility.

Application Procedures

The following application materials must be submitted via Academic Jobs Online position #22093 by November 15, 2022.

  1. Cover page (will be generated via your AJO account):
    • Full name and home institution
    • Date (or expected date) of Ph.D.
    • Research interest(s)
    • Referees’ names and emails
  2. Curriculum vitae
  3. Detailed statement of research interests (1,000 – 2,000 words)
  4. Course proposal with sample syllabus for introductory, 2000-level course
  5. Course proposal with sample syllabus for upper, 4000-level course
  6. One writing sample [30-page limit]
  7. Letter of degree conferral (only for applicants who do not have the Ph.D. in hand by  November 15, 2022)
  8. Three letters of recommendation.  Please ask referees to upload their letters directly through the link provided by Academic Jobs Online. Letters must be received on or before November 15, 2022.

Questions can be directed to humctr@cornell.edu.

Application Link

Apply on AJO
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