Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Columbia University’s African American and African Diaspora Studies (AAADS) Department invites applications for a position of Postdoctoral Research Scholar to begin July 1, 2021. This is a one-year appointment with the possibility of renewal for one additional year contingent on satisfactory performance. The position is open to those who have received the Ph.D. within the last three academic years and candidates must have completed all requirements for the Ph.D. prior to the start of the appointment.

This position is supported by AAADS’s new Andrew Mellon Foundation-funded project, “Envisioning the Arts as Central to Conceptions of African-American and African Diaspora Studies.” This project deepens AAADS’s commitment to curricular, intellectual, and programming initiatives in the literature, music, performance and visual arts of the African American and African Diaspora and builds upon this rich intellectual tradition by ensuring a place for the study, analysis, and practice of the arts in AAADS and the Institute for Research in African-American Studies (IRAAS). We invite applications from scholars whose work examines and engages with the role of the arts in African American and African Diaspora cultures and communities. Disciplinary orientation, period of study, and area of specialization are open but might include anthropology, art history, architecture, literary and cultural studies, musicology, and performance studies.

The successful candidate will be free to pursue an independent research agenda. However, the postdoctoral research scholar is also expected to be actively involved in the intellectual life of the department and will have opportunities to participate in various programs associated with the department’s Mellon-funded project. The postdoctoral research scholar will teach one course per year during the fellowship period.

Applications received by May 7 will receive full consideration by the search committee.

Minimum Degree Required

Ph.D. within the last three academic years.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must have completed all requirements for the Ph.D. prior to the start of the appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

Scholars whose work examines and engages with the role of the arts in African American and African Diaspora cultures and communities. Disciplinary orientation, period of study, and area of specialization are open but might include anthropology, art history, architecture, literary and cultural studies, musicology, and performance studies.

Additional Information

Applications received by May 7 will receive full consideration by the search committee.

This appointment is a full-time position for a term of one year, renewable for up to one additional year, contingent on satisfactory performance and funding.

Questions about this position may be directed to Professor Josef Sorett at [email protected].

RAPS posting date 04/05/2021

Search Closing Date

Special Instructions to the Applicant

All applications must be made through Columbia University’s online Recruitment of Academic Personnel System (RAPS). Applicants should upload the following required materials:

1. Cover Letter

2. Curriculum Vitae

3. Statement of Research

4. Writing Sample (up to 25 pages)

5. List of references for 2 Reference Letters

Applicants should enter the information and arrange for two letters of reference to be sent on their behalf. RAPS will accommodate uploads of maximum two (2) megabytes in size per document.

Proposed Start Date 07/01/2021

EEO Statement

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Review Begins 05/07/2021