Humanities Scholars Program Postdoctoral Associates

Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 60,300 - 73,700; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious academic institution is seeking two Humanities Scholars Program Postdoctoral Associates starting August 1, 2026. These positions offer a salary of $67,000 and a research fund of $2,000. Candidates should have a completed PhD from Cornell or be expected to earn their degree by August 2026. Responsibilities include teaching seminars, conducting scholarly research, and organizing academic events. Applications are due by February 3, 2026, with decisions made by mid-March.

Qualifications

• Completed PhD from Cornell or expected to complete by August 1, 2026.
• Experience conducting scholarly research.
• Desire to develop skills in undergraduate mentorship.

Responsibilities

• Develop interdisciplinary exchange across academic disciplines.
• Plan and teach seminar and guide undergraduates in research.
• Organize events to support networking and professional training.

Skills

Scholarly research

Undergraduate pedagogy

Collaborative scholarship

Education

PhD from Cornell

Cornell PhD candidate expected by Aug 1, 2026

Job description

Humanities Scholars Program Postdoctoral Associates

Call for Applications: Humanities Scholars Program Postdoctoral Associates
Open to Cornell PhD Candidates and Recent Cornell PhDs

Eligible applicants are current Cornell University PhD candidates and recent Cornell PhDs. The Humanities Scholars Program (HSP), an undergraduate research initiative in Cornell University’s College of Arts & Sciences, invites applications for one-year Postdoctoral Associate positions beginning August 1, 2026. Two Postdoctoral Associates will be appointed.

Each position offers a salary of $67,000 per year and a $2,000 research fund for the year.

HSP seeks Cornell scholars who have completed a PhD in any discipline—humanities, interpretive social sciences, creative arts, or interdisciplinary research that transcends traditional disciplines. Successful candidates will demonstrate experience performing scholarly research and will be fully integrated into the Society for the Humanities’ annual cohort of Fellows, including the Wednesday seminars. Preference is given to candidates intending to pursue an academic career.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and cultivate interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration across academic disciplines.
• Plan and teach one seminar per year, one section of SHUM 2750 Introduction to the Humanities in the spring term.
• Supervise the one‑credit course SHUM 4750 guiding seniors through the senior thesis in the fall and spring terms.
• Organize and support a regular schedule of events such as peer‑to‑peer workshopping of work‑in‑progress, workshops in oral presentation skills, careers in humanities, and other professional training.
• Coordinate regular coffee hours, lunches, and informal gatherings with faculty and graduate students.
• Work closely with the director and program manager to develop a schedule of events that integrate HSP students with campus humanities activities.

Qualifications:

• Completed PhD from Cornell or a Cornell PhD candidate expected to receive the degree between January 1, 2024 and August 1, 2026 (or with a letter indicating all degree requirements will be completed by August 1, 2026).
• Experience conducting scholarly research and a demonstrated commitment to undergraduate pedagogy.
• A desire to develop skills in undergraduate mentorship and guiding students through the research process.
• Preferred: A record of collaborative or interdisciplinary scholarship.

Application Procedures:

Submit application materials by February 3, 2026 to Academic Jobs Online position #31380. The following items are required:

1. Cover page (generated via your AJO account):
   • Full name and netID
   • Date (or expected date) of PhD
   • Department or field
   • Referees’ names and emails
2. Cover letter detailing your interest in the HSP and why your experience makes you an appropriate candidate (2,000 words max).
3. Curriculum vitae.
4. Teaching statement emphasizing different ways of teaching in the humanities (1,000 words max).
5. Statement on fostering learning, research, service, and outreach in a diverse community (can be standalone or embedded; 1,000 words max).
6. One writing sample (30 pages max).
7. Syllabi from courses taught.
8. Letter of degree conferral if PhD not yet completed.
9. Two letters of recommendation (sent separately; referees should upload through Academic Jobs Online).

Letters must be received on or before February 3, 2026. Decisions are generally made by Mid‑March.

Contact: Humanities Scholars Program – athum‑scholars‑[e-mail] or 607‑255‑9276.

Employment Assistance: For questions about the position or application process, contact the recruiter listed in the job posting or email [e-mail].

If you require an accommodation for a disability, contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255‑2242 or email [e-mail].

Public notice for applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying at Cornell and your rights as an applicant.

EEO Statement: Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds worldwide. No individual shall be denied employment on grounds of race, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, color, sex, pregnancy, age, creed, religion, disability, arrest record, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. Cornell engages in affirmative action for veterans and persons with disabilities and recognizes a lawful preference for Native Americans.