Collaborative Humanities Postdoctoral Program (CHPP)

The Collaborative Humanities Postdoctoral Program (CHPP) brings together a dynamic cohort of early-career scholars in the humanities and humanistic social sciences to revitalize humanistic inquiry in today’s moment. At a time when complex challenges—from climate change and migration to questions of democracy, equity, and technology—demand perspectives that cut across disciplinary lines, the humanities provide a critical voice in the conversation.

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 Ph.D.s 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, $3,000 in research funds, and $1,000 for one-time relocation bonus to Nashville when applicable (all gross).

The next cohort will run from August 16, 2026, through the end of spring 2029. Applications will be open from October 15-December 1, 2025.

Eligibility

• Successful candidates will have received a Ph.D. in the humanities or the humanistic social sciences after May 1, 2024. Applicants who are ABD must complete all degree requirements by May 1, 2026.
• 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.

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 and the Robert Penn Warren Center for the Humanities.