Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship in Literatures in English Grant

The Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship in Literatures in English, offered by Cornell University's Society for the Humanities, invites applications for a two-year position starting August 1, 2026. This fellowship seeks candidates specializing in African American literature and culture, with a preference for those with expertise in gender, sexuality, or media studies. The fellow will conduct research, teach two courses annually, and engage in departmental events and seminars, contributing to the academic community.

With the sponsorship of the Society for the Humanities, the Department of Literatures in English invites applications for a two-year Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship position beginning August 1, 2026.
The Cornell Department of Literatures in English and the Society for the Humanities jointly seek a two-year Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow for 2026-27 and 2027-28. We especially seek applications from candidates with additional expertise in gender and sexuality studies or media studies (print and/or digital culture). In addition to conducting their own research, supported by faculty mentorship, the Fellow will be expected to teach two courses per year: one lower-level course, such as Introduction to African American Literature, and an upper-level course such as Black Aesthetics, Early African American Print Culture, or a course of the fellow’s own design. The Fellow will also participate in events and seminars sponsored by the Society for the Humanities.

Eligibility

Applicants eligible for the Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship in Literatures in English for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 academic years include those who have received the Ph.D. degree after September 1, 2020 and no later than June 30, 2026. Applicants who do not have the Ph.D. in hand at the time of application must include a letter from the committee chair or department stating that the Ph.D. degree will be conferred before the term of the fellowship begins. International applicants are welcome to apply, contingent upon visa eligibility.