Cornell University, Society for the Humanities
*** this position has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***
Position Description
Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship in Near Eastern Studies
Academic Years 2024-2026
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
With the sponsorship of the Society for the Humanities, the Department of Near Eastern Studies at Cornell University invites applications for a two-year Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship beginning August 2024. This Fellowship offers a stipend of $60,000/year.
We invite applications from candidates whose scholarship focuses on questions of decoloniality/decolonial methods, environmental humanities, and / or migration studies. Temporal and regional focus is open, and we are especially interested in conceptually oriented work that critically reexamines and considers the Middle East beyond area studies.
Fellows are expected to teach two courses per year: one introductory-level course; and one advanced seminar per year, under a concurrent Visiting Lecturer appointment. 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.
We ask applicants to share their experiences and/or approaches (past, current, or future) to fostering learning, research service, and/or outreach in a diverse community. Applicants may choose to submit a stand-alone statement or embed the information in other parts of their application materials.
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 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years include those who have received the Ph.D. degree after September 1, 2018 and no later than June 30, 2024. 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 #25799 by January 5, 2024.
- Information cover sheet (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 - Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Detailed statement of research interests (1,000 – 2,000 words)
- Course proposal with sample syllabus for introductory, 2000-level course
- Course proposal with sample syllabus for upper, 4000-level course
- One writing sample [30-page limit]
- Diversity statement [optional – submit a separate statement or embed the information into other parts of your application materials]
- Letter of degree conferral (only for applicants who do not have the Ph.D. in hand by January 5, 2024)
- 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 January 5, 2024
For further information:
Phone: 607-255-4086
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
Employment Assistance:
For specific questions about the position or application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or for general questions email mycareer@cornell.edu.
If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University's Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at equity@cornell.edu.
Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.
Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.
EEO Statement:
Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff from all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.
Pay Ranges:
The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
- Prior relevant work or industry experience.
- Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
- Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
- Unique applicable skills.
Application Materials Required:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Detailed Research Project Statement
- Scholarly Paper - Writing Sample no more than 30 pages
- Course proposal with sample syllabus for introductory, 2000-level course
- Course proposal with sample syllabus for upper-level 4000-level course
- Optional diversity statements (optional)
- Optional - letter of degree conferrals (optional)
- Three reference letters (to be submitted online by the reference writers on this site )
Further Info:
Cornell University
A. D. White House, 121 President's Drive
Ithaca, NY 14853