Cornell Society for the Humanities Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship┋Literatures in English

The Society for the Humanities will sponsor three postdoctoral teaching-research fellowships in the humanities, each awarded for the two-year period beginning August 2026. Each fellowship offers a stipend of $64,000/year.

While in residence at Cornell, Mellon Postdoctoral Fellows hold department affiliations and joint appointments with the Society for the Humanities, have limited teaching duties, and the opportunity for scholarly work. 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. 

Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowships are available in two areas of specialization this year, in the departments of History of Art and Visual Studies, Literatures in English and Science & Technology Studies. 

Questions can be directed to humctr@cornell.edu.

Cornell is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, visit hr.cornell.edu/eeo.

With the sponsorship of the Society for the Humanities, the Department of Literatures in English invites applications for a two-year Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship position beginning August 1, 2026.

The Cornell Department of Literatures in English and the Society for the Humanities jointly seek a two-year Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow for 2026-27 and 2027-28. We aim to recruit a candidate specializing in African American literature and culture in any historical period. We especially seek applications from candidates with additional expertise in gender and sexuality studies or media studies (print and/or digital culture). In addition to conducting their own research, supported by faculty mentorship, the Fellow will be expected to teach two courses per year: one lower-level course, such as Introduction to African American Literature, and an upper-level course such as Black Aesthetics, Early African American Print Culture, or a course of the fellow’s own design. The Fellow will also participate in events and seminars sponsored by the Society for the Humanities.

The fellowship carries a stipend of $64,000/year.

Applications for the Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship in Literatures in English are due November 14, 2025.
Applications must be submitted through Academic Jobs Online Job #30459. 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants eligible for the  Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship in Literatures in English for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 academic years include those who have received the Ph.D. degree after September 1, 2020 and no later than June 30, 2026.  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.

Apply through AJO: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30459