African Diaspora Studies Two- Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship; Fall

Description

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

Applicants should demonstrate significant promise in teaching, research, and contributions to community as well as a strong commitment to theorizing from and/or centering Africana, Black, and African‑descended perspectives.

The annual teaching load for the Fellow is two courses per year (one per semester). The Fellow will also be expected to share their research with the Grinnell community and to be a contributing member of the African Diaspora Studies Department faculty. Additional information about our curriculum and faculty can be found at the Department’s website.

Eligible candidates must have received their terminal degree no earlier in 2023 or later.

In letters of application, candidates should discuss their interest in developing as a teacher and scholar in a highly selective undergraduate liberal arts college that emphasizes close student‑faculty interaction. They should also discuss their potential to contribute to a college community that maintains a diversity of people and perspectives as one of its core values. To be assured of full consideration, all application materials should be received by February 1, 2026.

• A letter of application
• Curriculum vitae
• Graduate transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable)
• Names and email contact information for three professional references
• 1–2‑page research statement
• Two sample syllabi: one for an Introduction to African Diaspora Studies course that engages Grinnell College’s vision for African Diaspora Studies, and one for a 200‑level elective course in the candidate’s area of specialization

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.

Discrimination and harassment on any of the bases covered by state or federal antidiscrimination statutes is unlawful and a violation of Grinnell College policy.

Grinnell College recognizes that harassment can relate to an individual's membership in more than one protected class. Targeting individuals on the basis of their membership in any protected class is also a violation of Grinnell’s Community Standards and Responsibilities and may violate the College’s Hate Crime and Bias‑Motivated Incident Policy. Under these circumstances, the College will coordinate the investigation and resolution, provided that doing so does not unduly delay prompt and equitable resolution under this policy.

This policy prohibits sexual harassment, sexual violence, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence against Grinnell College community members of any gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. This policy also prohibits gender‑based harassment that does not involve conduct of a sexual nature.

The College has grievance procedures for any individual who has experienced harassment or discrimination and wishes to pursue resolution.

An offer for this position will be contingent on successful completion of a background check.