Postdoctoral Fellowship in Africana Studies

Position Summary

CASC and the Africana Studies Program at Indiana University Indianapolis invite applications for a Mellon Foundation–funded Postdoctoral Fellowship linked to the newly established Black Humanities in the Midwest (BHIM) Africana Studies Research Center. With a scholarly record meeting IU’s academic standards for tenure-track positions, the postdoctoral fellow will have the opportunity to be considered for hire as an assistant professor after the second year. We are seeking an early career scholar with expertise in African American/Africana public history, art history in the Black diaspora, or the history of museums or anchor cultural institutions. There is specific interest in scholars who explore the role, history, and transformative impact of museums, Black cultural productions (e.g., photography, film, material culture), and curatorial practice in African American and African-diasporic culture and life.

Teaching

• Teach two courses per academic year in Africana Studies, History, Museum Studies, or other appropriate departments/programs

Research

• Contribute actively to one or more of BHIM’s three interdisciplinary labs: the Research Development Lab, Applied Humanities Lab, or Humanities in Community Lab
• Participate in programs, workshops, symposia, and community-engaged events

Qualifications

• PhD at the time of the appointment
• Expertise in African American/Africana public history, art history in the Black diaspora, or the history of museums or anchor cultural institutions
• Specific interest in exploring the role, history, and transformative impact of museums, Black cultural productions, and curatorial practice in African American and African-diasporic culture and life

Additional Qualifications

• Salary and Rank: $60,000, 10-month appointment

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit the following at: https://indiana.peopleadmin.com

• Cover Letter (detailing research, teaching interests, and fit with BHIM and CASC)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Writing Sample (no more than 30 pages)
• Contact Information for Three References

Finalists will be asked to submit three letters of reference and provide transcripts for their graduate work.

For Best Consideration Date: 04/01/2026

Expected Start Date: 08/01/2026

Posting Number: IU-101507-2026