Abbott Lowell Cummings Postdoctoral Fellowship in American Material Culture

Boston University American & New England Studies Program; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Conference travel support

Job summary

Boston University’s American Studies Program invites applications for the Abbott Lowell Cummings Postdoctoral Fellowship in American Material Culture. The two-year appointment begins July 1, 2027, for a scholar who has earned a doctorate and is within five years of completion.

The Fellow will split time between teaching and research, contributing to scholarly work and public-facing material culture discourse. Salary is competitive for the field, with travel and source support provided.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in hand by start date; within five years of completion preferred.
• Experience in American material culture or related field beneficial.
• Ability to teach undergrad introductory courses and upper-level seminars.

Responsibilities

• Teach one undergraduate introductory course in American material culture per year.
• Teach one upper-level seminar for undergraduate and graduate students per year.
• Engage in research and writing, contributing to scholarly community.
• Travel to conferences and sources supported by the fellowship.

Skills

Postdoctoral research

University teaching

Curriculum development

Education

Ph.D. in American Studies

Related interdisciplinary preparation

Job description

The American Studies Program at Boston University seeks a recent Ph.D. in American Studies (preferred), or related interdisciplinary preparation, for the Abbott Lowell Cummings Postdoctoral Fellowship in American Material Culture, with an expected start date of July 1, 2027. This fellowship is a two-year appointment for a scholar with doctorate in hand and received no more than five years previously. The position involves half-time teaching and half-time research and writing. Each year the Cummings Fellow will teach one undergraduate introductory course in American material culture and one upper-level seminar on a related topic for undergraduate and graduate students. The fellowship includes support for travel to conferences and sources.

Applicants should submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, sample syllabi for an introductory course in American material culture, and a brief statement of research interest. We believe that the cultural and social diversity of our faculty is vitally important to the excellence of our academic programs, and we encourage applications from candidates who will contribute to the diversity and inclusiveness of our teaching, research, and learning. Applications will be accepted until January 9, 2027. Please address any questions to Professor William Moore, chair of the Cummings Fellowship search committee ([e-mail]). Application materials should be submitted to [e-mail].

Salary for this position will be $68,750.

---

Since its founding in 1839, Boston University has embraced a mission of openness and access, becoming one of the first universities in the nation to welcome all students of ability regardless of race, gender, or creed. That tradition shapes our enduring commitment to academic freedom, free inquiry, and the robust exchange of ideas.

We seek scholars who will contribute to our community of teachers and researchers through excellence in innovative scholarship, engaged teaching, and participation in the intellectual life of the University. Boston University provides an environment where faculty and students work together across disciplines, perspectives, and experiences to advance knowledge and address society’s most pressing challenges.

Boston University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, age, national origin, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Retaliation is also prohibited. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Under Massachusetts law, we may not require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment.

Boston University, consistent with the AAU’s Principles on Preventing Sexual Harassment, conducts background checks for final candidates for certain faculty and staff positions. As part of this process, we ask current and past employers of the last seven years whether there has been a substantiated finding of sexual misconduct under their policies. To move forward, final candidates must complete and sign an “Authorization to Release Information” form after receiving an offer to enable this background check.