Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow in Africana Studies

Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship in Africana Studies
Academic Years 2023-2025
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

With the sponsorship of the Society for the Humanities, the department of Africana Studies & Research Center 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 be working in the field of contemporary, Afro-Diasporic (outside of the United States) culture (music and religion, especially), and African American religion and music.  Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate a solid grasp of their methodology for both research and teaching.   

The successful candidate should be prepared to teach the following two courses: (1) a 2000-level, introductory course that would describe, define, and interrogate the Black Atlantic from the perspective of Afro-Diasporic history and culture so as to propose and evaluate the phenomena of the global African world or a Survey of African American Music or Religion; and (2) a 4000-level course that focuses on the methods and theories that the postdoctoral fellow employed in his or her dissertation; in addition to the examination of the key theoretical concepts or theoreticians that enabled the dissertation, the course should also provide case studies or illustrations of methodology for student discussion and analysis.

The department is particularly interested in a Fellow who will provide significant opportunities for research, scholarly dialogue, and teaching in conjunction with faculty and students in programs, such as Latin American Studies, American Studies, and departments such as Music, Anthropology, Philosophy, Romance Studies, and Performing and Media Arts. As a research center and beyond the question of coverage, Africana is interested in welcoming a Fellow whose work transcends positivist descriptions and taxonomies and who can provide the Cornell community with theoretically engaging and sophisticated critiques of their fields of expertise and their methodologies. The ideal candidate should be able to provide a promising concept or argument from the dissertation that can be tested, elaborated, and strengthened during their time at Cornell.     

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.

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 #22997 by November 10, 2022.

Cover page (will be generated via your AJO account):
(a) Full name and home institution
(b) Date (or expected date) of Ph.D.
(c) Research interest(s)
(d) Referees’ names and emails Curriculum vitae Detailed statement of research interests (1,000 – 2,000 words) Course proposal with sample syllabus for introductory, 2000-level course (see details above) Course proposal with sample syllabus for upper, 4000-level course (see details above) One writing sample [30-page limit] Letter of degree conferral (only for applicants who do not have the Ph.D. in hand by November 2, 2022) 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 10, 2022.

For further information:
Phone: 607-255-9274
Email: humctr@cornell.edu  

Society for the Humanities

The Society for the Humanities was established at Cornell University in 1966 to support research and teaching in the humanities. It is intended to be at once a research institute, a stimulus to educational innovation, and a continuing society of scholars. The Society and its Fellows have fostered path-breaking interdisciplinary dialogue and theoretical reflection on the humanities at large.

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.

societyhumanities.as.cornell.edu

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