Postdoc Fellow (German)

Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship in German Studies
Academic Years 2024-2026
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

With the sponsorship of the Society for the Humanities, the Department of German Studies invites applications for a two-year Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship position beginning August 1, 2024. The fellowship carries a stipend of $60,000/year.

We are interested in candidates whose work in literary studies, cultural studies, and/or critical theory focuses on the 20th and 21st centuries and/or the early modern period. Applications by candidates whose work engages with Critical Race Studies, Migration and Diaspora Studies, or Climate and Environmental Studies are especially welcome.

The successful applicant will be fully integrated into the Society for the Humanities’ annual cohort of Faculty Fellows and post-doctoral fellows, including the weekly Wednesday Fellows seminar. The selected candidate will also hold a concurrent Visiting Lecturer appointment in order to teach one course per semester for the German Department, consisting in one lower-level and one upper-level course in German or English on topics relating to the candidate’s areas of expertise. 

Evidence of scholarly potential and excellent teaching, as well as native or near-native fluency in German required. 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 August 1, 2020 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 https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/26276 by January 15, 2024.

Cover page (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

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 15, 2024

For further information:
Phone: 607-255-9274
Email: [email protected]   

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

The hiring salary for this position will be $60,000/year.

Pay Range:

Refer to Posting Language

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.

Familiarize yourself with Cornell's COVID-19 workplace guidance as well as the university's COVID-19 services and information .

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email [email protected] .

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 [email protected] .

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 [email protected] .

Notice to Applicants:

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 to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

2023-11-02