COSAS Fellow in Critical Caste Studies

The Committee on Southern Asian Studies (COSAS) at the University of Chicago invites applications for a two-year COSAS Fellowship in Critical Caste Studies (appointed at the rank of term-limited Instructor), to begin as early as July 1, 2023. This position is designed for early-career scholars whose educational backgrounds have afforded them limited opportunities with highly-selective research institutions in the United States and Europe.

We seek a scholar working within the emergent paradigm of critical studies of caste, inequality, and exclusion; we are particularly interested in scholars working on projects focused on issues in Dalit studies, Adivasi studies, and intersectional approaches between caste and race, class, gender/sexuality, and (minoritarian) religion. Applicants may come from any disciplinary background in the humanities or social sciences.

The successful candidate will be expected to conduct research in their areas of interest; teach one course a year on topics of their choosing at either the undergraduate or graduate level; and participate in the intellectual life of the wider University. In addition to salary and benefits, funds will be made available to the Fellow for pursuing their own research, for conference travel, and for planning conferences or other Fellowship-related events/programming.

Applicants are required to apply online at the University of Chicago’s Interfolio site: apply.interfolio.com/109813.

Applicants should have received their PhD within 6 years of their appointment. Applications should include: (1) a current curriculum vitae, including the names and contact information of at least three referees; (2) a cover letter (2 pages) that describes your research and teaching profile, as well as your plans for the fellowship period; the cover letter should also briefly explain how the candidate's life experience, pedagogy, and/or research speaks to the representation of historically underrepresented minorities in the academy in the United States, Europe, and Southern Asia; (3) a research statement addressing current and future plans for research (2–3 pages); (4) a teaching statement addressing teaching experience and philosophy (1-page); (5) Writing sample from the candidates’ research of no more than 25 pages. All materials should be in English.

Review of applicants will begin by October 15; applications will be reviewed until the position is filled or the search has closed.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-1032 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.