KCJS Postdoctoral Fellowship in Japanese Studies

The Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies is searching for a KCJS Postdoctoral Fellow for the academic year 2024-25, with the possibility of extension. Based at Doshisha University in Kyoto, KCJS is an undergraduate study abroad program governed by a consortium of thirteen American universities and administered by the Center for Undergraduate Global Engagement at Columbia University. 

The KCJS Fellow is expected to engage in their own research and teach one course each semester in Kyoto. One course should be in the fellow’s own field of interest, while the second should be a broad introductory survey of Japanese civilization. Such a survey may be provided with a particular disciplinary emphasis, such as art, religion, literature or cultural studies. Both courses should be designed to appeal to a wide range of majors and take full advantage of KCJS’s location, preferably encompassing local excursions, hands-on demonstrations, and/or observations. Preference will be given to candidates with the capacity to deliver such courses and those who can demonstrate a commitment to delivering engaging, immersive learning experiences that are both rigorous and accessible. 

Additional responsibilities include: assisting the resident director with academic planning and semester orientations; mentoring students on academic matters, career planning, and life in Japan; assisting the resident director in reviewing independent study proposals and summer research proposals; supervising independent studies; presenting their research regularly; and occasionally attending KCJS-sponsored curricular and extra-curricular events. These responsibilities and other professional development opportunities provide the Fellow with strong teaching experience and a broad overview into undergraduate global education. The Fellow is also expected to engage in the academic life of Kyoto through involvement in research study groups at Doshisha and other local institutions.

Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in a Japan-related field by the start of the fellowship. It is preferred that the candidate has relevant undergraduate teaching experience, previous experience living or studying in Japan, and Japanese language and cultural fluency.

Terms

• The position is hired in Japan through the KCJS. 
• The term of appointment is from August 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025, with the possibility of an extension to May 31, 2026, pending mutual agreement and the approval of the relevant committees. 
• Annual salary paid in Japan over 10 months equivalent to USD60,000, which will be fixed to the Yen exchange rate at the time of hire;
• Japan health insurance coverage for incumbent and approved family members
• Reimbursement for research costs up to USD5,000, which will be fixed to the Yen exchange rate at the time of hire and paid in Japan;
• Reimbursement for round-trip transportation from the home country to Japan for the Fellow and immediate family members, which may include a spouse/partner and one child under 18 years of age;
• A private office equipped with a desktop computer and printer located on the Doshisha campus alongside the KCJS team;
• Access to Doshisha’s libraries, archives, and museums. 

For more information about the KCJS program, please visit https://global.undergrad.columbia.edu/program/kcjs-semester

Application Process

Candidates must have the Ph.D. defended by July 1, 2024. The review of applications will begin on December 15, 2023, and continue until the position is filled. 

Candidates should submit a cover letter, a curriculum vitae that indicates anticipated date of dissertation defense, and a list of previous courses taught; most recent course evaluations; and two syllabi for proposed KCJS courses, preferably including concrete details about prospective texts, assignments, and excursions, etc. Three letters of reference attesting to the candidate’s qualifications are also required.