Cornell University, History of Art and Visual Studies
Position Description
The Department of History of Art & Visual Studies at Cornell University invites applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Associate as part of Cornell’s Active Learning Initiative for the AYs 2026 – 2028. We invite applications from candidates with a specialization in any area of History of Art broadly defined, and with interests across related fields including but not limited to: American studies; anthropology; archaeology; architecture and planning; Asian studies; black studies; classics, comparative literature; computer science; ecology; feminist, gender and sexuality studies; Indigenous studies; Latin American studies; medieval studies; performance and media studies; or science and technology studies. We seek applicants with strong research potential and a demonstrated interest and commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion through innovative teaching at the undergraduate level. Candidates should possess an understanding of History of Art as a fundamentally global, comparative and cross-disciplinary field. As part of the Active Learning Initiative, the position seeks candidates interested in developing faculty careers with a focus, as well as potential research, on pedagogy. We seek scholars with interest and skills in creative approaches to teaching history of art and visual studies that combine traditional object-based approaches with new classroom technologies as well as any critical (positive or negative) engagement with AI-technology. The Postdoctoral Associate will (i) work with department faculty to develop, design, and implement active learning techniques in larger courses (no more than two per semester), participate in the college-wide ALI program, including attending weekly ALI fellows’ meetings and facilitating ALI assessments such as surveys and class observations, and (ii) pursue their own scholarly research. There will be opportunities for co-teaching, but the Postdoctoral Associate does not teach classes as a sole instructor. The Postdoctoral Associate is a member of the Department of History of Art & Visual Studies, will receive professional mentorship from Department faculty, and will be invited to participate in all Department activities and events. The Postdoctoral Associate is required to be in residence in person at Cornell during the semesters of their tenure. The starting salary for this position is $65,000 in the first year, $ 66,950 in the second year, plus benefits, moving expenses ($ 5,000), and up to $3,000 per year in research allowance. All applications are due before the strict deadline of March 31, 2026. Review of applications will begin promptly and we expect to conduct Zoom interviews with shortlisted candidates in late April. Eligibility: Applicants must have received the Ph.D. degree no earlier than September 1, 2021. Applicants who will complete all requirements for the Ph.D. degree (including filing the dissertation) before appointment are eligible to apply (in all cases before July 1, 2026). The completion date for the Ph.D. degree cannot in any circumstance be waived or extended. Please submit (1) a cover letter; (2) CV; (3) a writing sample (of less than 30 pages); (4) teaching statement, outlining how you would promote inclusivity in teaching and contribute to the Active Learning Initiative; (5)brief descriptions (200 word maximum for each) of 2 courses that adopt an inclusive, active learning approach; and (6) three letters of recommendation. Questions about the position or the application process should be addressed to Iftikhar Dadi, Chair of the Department of History of Art & Visual Studies, at mid1@cornell.eduFor 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.
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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
- Teaching statement
- Writing Sample
- Brief descriptions (200 word maximum for each) of 2 courses that adopt an inclusive, active learning approach
- Three reference letters (to be submitted online by the reference writers on this site
)
Further Info: