Postdoctoral Research Opportunity – Native American and Indigenous Studies (NAIS)

Native American and Indigenous Studies Association; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 61,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits at a prestigious center dedicated to Native American and Indigenous Studies. This two-year postdoctoral fellowship offers a recent PhD recipient the chance to develop their research agenda while gaining valuable teaching experience. Collaborating with Chief Dull Knife tribal college, the successful candidate will engage in interdisciplinary research and contribute to a vibrant academic community. Located near Chicago, the center emphasizes Indigenous priorities and fosters partnerships with Native communities, ensuring a meaningful impact on scholarship and education. If you are passionate about advancing Indigenous studies and making a difference, this fellowship is perfect for you.

Benefits

Health Benefits

Access to Cultural Institutions

Collaborative Research Opportunities

Qualifications

• Recent PhD recipient with a focus on Native American and Indigenous Studies.
• Experience in research and teaching is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop a research agenda and teach one course per year.
• Contribute to the intellectual community at Northwestern University.

Skills

Research Skills

Teaching Experience

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Education

PhD in Native American and Indigenous Studies or related field

Job description

TheCenter for Native American and Indigenous Research(CNAIR) at Northwestern University invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in Native American and Indigenous Studies (NAIS), beginningSeptember 1, 2025. This fellowship offers an opportunity for a recent PhD recipient to develop their research agenda, gain valuable teaching experience (one course per year), and contribute to the vibrant intellectual community at Northwestern University. In addition, this postdoc has the opportunity to partner with Chief Dull Knife tribal college through new collaborations between CNAIR and the college.

The successful candidate will be jointly appointed between CNAIR and an appropriate department based on their research focus. Candidates must have completed their PhD by the September 1, 2025 start date. The expected salary for this position is $61,010-$70,000 plus benefits.

Applicants should submit a letter of application, CV, article/chapter-length writing sample, and three letters of recommendation (sent separately by the letter writer) [e-mail] 3, 2025. For inquiries or additional information, please email Doug Kiel.

About CNAIR

Northwestern’s Center for Native American and Indigenous Research (CNAIR) is dedicated to advancing scholarship, teaching, and learning in Native American and Indigenous Studies. CNAIR fosters an interdisciplinary community of scholars, promotes collaborative research, and supports partnerships with Native American and Indigenous communities. Our mission is to center Indigenous priorities and ways of knowing within academia. Located near Chicago, Northwestern University provides access to numerous cultural institutions and events relevant to Native American and Indigenous Studies. CNAIR maintains connections with regional and national Indigenous Studies networks, offering fellows unique opportunities for engagement and collaboration.

Land Acknowledgment

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires—the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa—as well as the Menominee, Miami, and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.