Duke University, English Department

Position ID:
Duke-English-PA [#31122]
Position Title: 
Postdoctoral Associate
Position Type:
Postdoctoral
Position Location:
Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States of America
Subject Area: 
English / Humanities
Appl Deadline:
2026/01/15 11:59PMhelp popup (posted 2025/11/06, listed until 2026/05/05)
Position Description:
   

Position Description

Postdoctoral Associate for Sawyer Seminar

“Sharing Ground: Humanities, Academic Freedom and the Future of the University,” a Sawyer Seminar sponsored by Duke University and NC State University, seeks a postdoctoral associate as a Humanist-in-Residence for a one-year appointment in AY 2026-2027 (9 months beginning August 1, 2026 and ending June 1, 2027).

The Humanist-in-Residence will participate in the seminar meetings while also developing a year-long project on the theme of “Sharing Ground”: how the humanities have conceptualized academic freedom and imagined and preserved democracy within the university, and how they might continue to shape these ideals in the years ahead. The project should use humanistic approaches to mediate between the often inert or sequestered materials of archives and policy websites and lived experience, doing so in ways that invigorate practices of free expression in the university. Documentary or archival approaches are preferred, but we are open to all methods and humanistic fields of inquiry. All projects must include a collaborative element that engages students, faculty, or the wider community. Completed projects will be presented to the seminar, and made accessible to the wider community. Please refer to the seminar website for a longer description of the activities and goals of the seminar [link].

Criteria for the Humanist-in-Residence position includes a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, and a compelling explanation of how humanistic methods will be used in the completion of the year-long project. Candidates are expected to hold a PhD in a humanistic field at the time of appointment.

Candidates submitting materials by January 15, 2026 will receive full consideration. Candidates should submit a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a 2-page project proposal, and names of three referees. Finalists will be asked to submit three recommendation letters.

Compensation will be commensurate with Duke’s typical compensation for postdoctoral associates.
Inquiries should be directed to the seminar’s principal investigators: Professor Charlotte Sussman (charlotte.sussman@duke.edu) and Professor James Mulholland (mulholland@ncsu.edu ).

Duke is committed to encouraging and sustaining work and learning environments that are free from harassment and prohibited discrimination. Duke prohibits discrimination and harassment in the administration of both its employment and educational policies. Duke also makes good faith efforts to recruit, hire, and promote qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. Duke is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Applications will be received through Academic Jobs Online.

Required Application Materials:
• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• 2-page project proposal
• Names of three referees


Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
  • Cover letter
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • 2-page project proposal
  • Names of referees (3)
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
english.duke.edu
email address
(919) 684-2741
 
Duke University
Department of English
303 Allen Building
Durham, NC 27708