Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Department: WCAS History

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Material History Lab at Northwestern University

The Material History Lab in the Department of History at Northwestern University in Evanston (IL) is accepting applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in digital history with an emphasis on African material culture. This position combines scholarly work in the archaeology and history of Africa since 400 BCE with development and stewardship of an object‑centered digital history project. Applications are particularly encouraged from recent PhDs interested in object‑centered approaches to historical inquiry and digital storytelling.

The successful candidate will work with Dr. Akin Ogundiran and his collaborators to build on the existing Lab’s digital architecture, generate and curate 3D images of objects, write original content, maintain the research database, liaise with the public, and develop online exhibitions. The postdoc fellow will also serve as lab manager and supervise three to four highly motivated undergraduate students.

This is a full‑time position. Thirty percent of working hours per week may be devoted to the fellow’s own scholarly projects.

• Build on the Lab’s digital architecture and generate 3D images of objects.
• Write, curate, and maintain original content and the research database.
• Liaise with the public and develop online exhibitions.
• Manage the Lab and supervise 3–4 undergraduate students.
• Participate in Department of History events, including those organized by the Chabraja Center for Historical Studies.

• PhD in African history or related fields, including archaeology, anthropology, art history, Black Studies, or African Cultural Studies.
• Skill in any branch of digital humanities, including Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality (plus).
• Experience with object‑centered historical inquiry and digital storytelling.

• Letter of application.
• Short research statement (1–2 pages) showing prior experience and fitness for the position.
• Curriculum vitae.
• One article or chapter‑length writing sample, or portfolio of an ongoing or completed digital project.
• Two letters of recommendation (submitted by recommenders).

Applications are due by Monday, July 6, 2026. The position is a nine‑month academic appointment; salary is expected to range from $63,480 – $67,000, subject to negotiation.

Applications will only be accepted via online submission. All documents should be prepared in advance as Adobe PDF files. Fields marked with an asterisk must be filled before submitting.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance.