Program Details

Applications for the next cohort will open October 15th, 2026.

Collaborative Humanities Postdoctoral fellows develop research projects, design and teach innovative undergraduate courses, and hone their professional skills through programming and faculty mentoring. Over three years, the fellowship provides the intellectual space, institutional support, and professional training to enable fellows to shape the future of humanistic study and education.

We seek recent PhDs in the humanities and the humanistic social sciences who approach urgent issues in contemporary life with the interpretive and imaginative tools of the humanities. Each fellow is placed in a home academic department or program, ensuring close ties to a discipline, while building expansive networks across Vanderbilt and beyond. Teaching opportunities are determined in coordination with that unit’s chair/director.

Fellowships are up to three years, with annual renewals. Fellows will receive a salary of at least $61,008, benefits, $4,000 in research funds, and $1,000 for one-time relocation bonus to Nashville when applicable (all gross).

Responsibilities

Postdoctoral fellows’ responsibilities will include:

• Pursuing a rigorous research agenda appropriate to their field;
• Teaching a combination of undergraduate courses based on research interests and the needs of their home department/program, including advanced courses based on their area of expertise, department service courses, and the First-Year Core;
• Planning and participating in working groups and seminars with fellow postdocs, faculty, and graduate students; and
• Engaging actively with the intellectual life of the campus.

Please direct all inquiries to Kaitlyn Witt, Administrative Specialist, Collaborative Humanities Postdoctoral Program.