Moon Family Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2026-27

University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 60,300 - 73,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Minimum stipend of $67,000

Conference travel funds up to $2,000

Access to office space and library resources

Job summary

A prestigious academic institution in Philadelphia is offering the Moon Family Postdoctoral Fellowship for the 2026-27 academic year. This role is ideal for scholars focused on Korea, requiring teaching and mentoring responsibilities. The fellowship provides a stipend of $67,000, travel funds, and resources at Penn. Eligible candidates must have their Ph.D. completed by July 31, 2026. Applications are due by February 17, 2026.

Qualifications

• Must complete all requirements for the Ph.D. degree by July 31, 2026.
• Ability to teach a Korea-related course per year.
• Experience with public presentations and mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Reside in the Philadelphia area.
• Teach one Korea-related course annually.
• Organize a Korean Studies Conference.

Skills

Research focus on Korea

Teaching experience

Mentoring

Education

Ph.D. degree

Job description

Moon Family Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2026-27

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Open Date: Nov 19, 2025

Deadline:

The James Joo‑Jin Kim Center for Korean Studies at the University of Pennsylvania announces a Moon Family Postdoctoral Fellowship for the 2026-27 academic year. The postdoctoral fellowship is open to scholars from any discipline with a research and teaching focus on Korea.

The fellowship is the 12‑month period between August 1, 2026 and July 31, 2027 and carries a minimum stipend of $67,000 as well as conference travel funds up to $2,000. The postdoctoral fellow will also receive a shared office space and access to libraries and other resources at Penn. The fellowship may be renewed for a second year, based on satisfactory performance, the existence of funding, and programmatic need.

The fellow will be required to:

1. reside in the Philadelphia area;
2. teach one Korea‑related course per year;
3. give a public presentation for the Korean Studies Colloquium;
4. mentor the Kim Center graduate and undergraduate fellows;
5. participate in the Kim Center events and related activities at Penn;
6. organize a Korean Studies Conference (either in Fall 2026 or in Spring 2027).

Eligibility

The applicant who is awarded the fellowship must complete all requirements for the Ph.D. degree (dissertation deposited) by July 31, 2026.

Application Requirements

• Cover Letter (including a description of research projects to be carried out during the fellowship, and teaching interests/experiences)
• CV
• Writing Sample (a published/publishable article or a dissertation chapter)
• One Korea‑related course syllabus
• Two Letters of Recommendation (uploaded to the Interfolio directly by the recommenders)

Applications will be accepted only via Interfolio: The application must be submitted by 5 p.m. EST on Feb. 17, 2026. Award decisions will be made by early April 2026.

The School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania is committed to cultivating a vibrant community of students, scholars, researchers, and staff and to upholding the highest standards of academic excellence. The School and the Center for Korean Studies strive to create working and learning environments that foster intellectual growth and encourage meaningful connections within our Penn academic community and beyond.

Questions can be directed to:
Seok Lee, Associate Director of Academics
Email: [e-mail]

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

To apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/177884