CfA: Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Modern Japanese History, 2026-202717.4.2026 {en}
The Weatherhead East Asian Institute (WEAI) at Columbia University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Modern Japanese History for the 2026-2027 academic year. WEAI seeks scholars whose work examines Japan from 1800 to present. We welcome applications from candidates working across a range of disciplines and approaches.
The Postdoctoral Research Scholar will pursue their own research while teaching one course per semester, directed at advanced undergraduate and MA students, to be offered in either the Department of History or the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures. The scholar will participate in collaborative projects with faculty, staff and students engaged in Japan studies, contribute to the Institute’s MA in Regional Studies: East Asia program, and serve as an active participant in the Institute’s academic community.
The appointment is for the 2026-2027 academic year, beginning September 1, 2026, ending August 31, 2027. The position comes with shared office space and access to the libraries and resources of Columbia University. The incumbent is eligible for a range of benefits, including health and dental coverage.
Eligibility
- Applicants must have completed all Ph.D. degree requirements (dissertation completed and filed) between May 1, 2023 and June 30, 2026.
- English language proficiency required. Applicants who are not native speakers and who have not completed a degree at an institution where English is the primary language instruction, may be asked to complete an English language interview.
- This position is intended for early-career scholars; preference will be given to candidates without prior full-time teaching experience.
Application Process
Applicants should submit all materials as a single PDF via email to Susan Anthony (sa4062[at]columbia.edu), or provide a link to a cloud-based folder containing all required documents.
Application Cover Sheet
- 1-2 page Cover Letter describing research, teaching interests, and fit with the position
- Curriculum Vitae, including list of classes taught (if any)
- Course Evaluations for classes taught (if any)
- Two Sample Syllabi for seminars directed to MA and advanced undergraduate students
- Two Letters of Reference addressing the applicants research and teaching experience
Letters of reference may be submitted via Interfolio, sent directly by the referee via email to Susan Anthony, or mailed as signed hard copies to the address at the top of this page.
Application Deadline
All application materials (including letters of reference) must be received by the Institute on or before Friday, May 24. Candidates may be invited for an interview to be held by video, phone or in person. All evaluations made in connection with applications received are confidential.
Awards will be announced no later than June 7. Acceptance of award is due on or before June 14.
Further information at https://weai.columbia.edu/news/call-applications-postdoctoral-research-scholar-modern-japanese-history-2026-2027.
Source: Columbia University – Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Modern Japanese History | H-Net, H-Net: Humanities & Social Sciences Online, licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 US.
