Assistant Professor of African Diaspora Studies Two- Postdoctoral Fellowship; Fall

Assistant Professor of African Diaspora Studies Two-Year Postdoctoral Fellowship (Start Fall 2026)

Grinnell College invites applications for a two-year Andrew W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship beginning Fall 2026. Eligible candidates must have received their terminal degree no earlier than 2023 or later, with significant coursework in Critical Black Studies/Africana Studies. We seek interdisciplinary scholars whose work centers the experiences, histories, ideas, and creativity of people of African descent across the globe.

Responsibilities

• Design and teach a 100-level Introduction to African Diaspora Studies course in the fall and a 200-level elective in the spring, aligned with the candidate’s expertise.

• Facilitate scholarship, including funding for a book manuscript workshop, research and conference travel, and supervision of an undergraduate research assistant.

• Contribute to the department’s interdisciplinary approach and advance the College’s strategic plan, “Knowledge into Action,” engaging diverse academic and co‑curricular communities.

Requirements

• Terminal degree with significant coursework in Critical Black Studies/Africana Studies, awarded no earlier than 2023 or later.

• Demonstrated promise in teaching, research, and community contributions.

• Strong commitment to theorizing from and/or centering Africana, Black, and African‑descended perspectives.

Application materials must be submitted by February 1, 2026 and include:

• Letter of application

• Curriculum vitae

• Graduate transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable)

• Names and email addresses of three professional references

• 1–2 page research statement

• Two sample syllabi: one for the Introduction to African Diaspora Studies course aligned with the college’s vision, and one for a 200-level elective course in the candidate’s area of specialization.

Questions about this search should be directed to the search chair, Professor John Thabiti Willis, at ADS searches or 641‑269‑4803.
Please visit our application website at  for more details and to submit applications online.

Grinnell College is committed to establishing and maintaining a safe and nondiscriminatory educational environment for all college community members. It is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in matters of admission, employment, and housing, and in access to and participation in its education programs, services, and activities. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, religion, disability, creed, or any other protected class.
An offer for this position will be contingent on successful completion of a background check.