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 Material History Lab's digital architecture, generate and curate 3D images of objects, write original content, maintain the lab's 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. 30% of working hours per week may be devoted to the fellow's own scholarly projects.

A PhD in African history or related fields, including archaeology, anthropology, art history, Black Studies, and African Cultural Studies, is required. Skill in any branch of digital humanities, including Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, is a plus.

The successful applicant is expected to actively participate in the Department of History events, including those organized by the Chabraja Center for Historical Studies.

Applications are due by Monday, July 6, 2026.

1. Letter of Application

2. A short research statement (1-2 pages), showing prior experience and fitness for the position.

3. Current curriculum vitae

4. One article or chapter-length writing sample, or portfolio of an ongoing or completed digital project.

5. In addition, please have two recommenders submit letters by the deadline.

For more information about the NU Department of History and the Material History Lab, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Akin Ogundiran at ogundiran.

Salary Range

The expected base pay range for this position is $63,480 - $67,000.

This base pay range is for a nine-month academic appointment and is subject to negotiation.

Northwestern University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the experience and qualifications of the selected candidate including years since terminal degree, training, and field or discipline; departmental budget availability;

internal comparators; and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Please read ALL instructions and make preparations before proceeding to the application page:

* Applications will only be accepted via online submission (see link below).

* Please prepare all documents in advance as Adobe PDF files, and please be sure all information is entered correctly and accurately (especially names and email addresses), as there will be no opportunity for online revision after your application has been submitted.

* Please also prepare a list of names and email addresses for your external academic references; your references will be contacted directly by the online system and invited to upload their letters on your behalf.

* All required fields in the application form are marked with an asterisk and must be filled before clicking the "Submit" button.

* Be aware that incomplete applications cannot be saved.

Applications accepted here:
Apply for Job

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. 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. View additional information on the accommodations process.