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Robert Penn Warren Center for the Humanities

Apply for a Postdoc

Position Title: Collaborative Humanities Postdoctoral Program 

Close Date: February 2, 2025 

The Program

Vanderbilt University’s College of Arts and Science and the Robert Penn Warren Center for the Humanities invite applications for the Collaborative Humanities Postdoctoral Program (CHPP). 

We seek recent PhDs in the humanities and the humanistic social sciences who bring interdisciplinary approaches to crucial issues in contemporary life. During their time at Vanderbilt, CHPP fellows pursue research projects, design and teach undergraduate courses, craft professional skills, and receive active faculty mentoring. Each fellow is placed in a home academic department or program, and teaching opportunities are determined in coordination with that unit’s chair/director. The program offers fellows the opportunity to build research profiles, expand intellectual networks within Vanderbilt and beyond, and hone their teaching expertise. 

 Fellowships are up to three years, with annual renewals, beginning August 16, 2025, through the end of spring 2028. Fellows will receive a salary of at least $61,008, benefits, $2,500 in research funds, and $1,000 for one-time relocation bonus to Nashville when applicable (all gross).  

Eligibility

  • Successful candidates will have received a PhD in the humanities or the humanistic social sciences after May 1, 2023. Applicants who are ABD must complete all degree requirements by April 1, 2025. 
  • Candidates must already be eligible to work in the United States. Vanderbilt University will not offer visa sponsorship of any kind. 
  • Applications to work on creative endeavors and original compositions will not be considered. 

Duties

Postdoctoral fellows’ duties 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;  
  • Engaging actively with the intellectual life of the campus and the Robert Penn Warren Center. 

Application

 To apply, please include:  

  • Research statement (up to 1,000 words) that demonstrates commitment to and experience with interdisciplinary research in the humanities. 
  • One-page timeline outlining the major scholarly activities you will pursue over the course of the three-year fellowship (e.g., book manuscript, articles). 
  • CV (no more than 5 pages) 
  • Teaching statement (up to 500 words) with evidence of teaching effectiveness and interest in innovative, interdisciplinary, and immersive approaches.  
  • Teaching evaluations, if applicable. 
  • If you are ABD, we require a letter from your dissertation adviser confirming that you are expected to complete all degree requirements no later than April 1, 2025.  
  • Three letters of recommendation will be requested in February if your application is shortlisted.  

All materials should be submitted via Interfolio by Sunday, February 2, 11:59pm CST.

Inquiries

Please direct all questions to Matt DiCintio, Associate Director, Robert Penn Warren Center for the Humanities: matthew.dicintio@vanderbilt.edu.