Cornell University, Society for the Humanities

Position Description
Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship in History of Art and Visual Studies
Academic Years 2026-2028
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
With the sponsorship of the Society for the Humanities, the Department of History of Art and Visual Studies invites applications for a two-year Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship position beginning August 1, 2026. The fellowship carries a stipend of $64,000/year.
The Department of History of Art and Visual Studies at Cornell University seeks a Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow in comparative antiquity. The successful candidate will adopt a comparative approach to the study of art history and visual culture pre-1000 AD. Geographic specialization is open, and may include the Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean, and / or Eurasian Steppe / Silk Road. We are especially interested in comparative approaches that address (for example) the intellectual status of the image, the political functions of art, or visual theology across multiple regions.
The Mellon Fellow will teach two courses per year: one introductory lecture, and one advanced seminar. The lecture should be a broad introduction to ancient art; the Fellow will be free to configure this course as they see fit. The seminars may address more specialized topics relating to the Fellow’s research. Seminars in ancient art frequently include a mix of advanced undergraduate and graduate students, including those in Archaeology, Classics, Fiber Science and Apparel Design, Medieval Studies, and Near Eastern Studies.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants eligible for the Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 academic years include those who have received the Ph.D. degree after August 1, 2022 and no later than June 30, 2026. 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 #30300 by October 31, 2025.
- 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 4, 2026)
- 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 October 31, 2025.
For further information:
Phone: 607-255-7989
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.
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 Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.
Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor.
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:
Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, 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.
Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
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