Postdoc - Frankel Center for Judaic Studies
Mandell L. Berman Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Contemporary American Jewish Life. Two-year postdoctoral fellowship is an opportunity for a recent PhD (since June 2006) to pursue research on American Jews and the American Jewish community in conjunction with University of Michigan faculty. A strong commitment to multidisciplinary work in the social sciences is required. The fellow will be expected to be in residence during the academic years of the fellowship, to conduct research, to participate in the intellectual activities of the Frankel Center for Judaic Studies, and to disseminate scholarship to diverse audiences. Please send application by January 4, 2010, to:
Frankel Center for Judaic Studies
Attn: Deborah Dash Moore
202 South Thayer St.
2111 Thayer Building
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Evaluation of applications will be based on quality of proposed research, samples of work, and letters of recommendation. PhD must be received by August 2010.
Appointment will be announced by March 1, 2010.
Stipend and Prerequisites:
The annual stipend will be $60,000 for 2010-11. The annual appointment period is an academic calendar year, September 1 - April 30. The fellow will be eligible for participation in the University health and life insurance options. The program for dental insurance will begin after the first year is completed. A flat allowance of $2,500 will be reimbursable for moving expenses in addition to $2,000 per year for conference travel.
The Fellow will have a two-year appointment as a Research Fellow or Assistant Professor in the Frankel Center for Judaic Studies and an appropriate affiliated department of the University. The fellowship may be extended for a third year pending approval by the Dean of the College of Literature, Science and the Arts. This appointment is not tenure-track. Any subsequent appointment of a Fellow to a position at the University of Michigan would be subject to the rules governing new appointments.
The Fellow is encouraged to consider opportunities for the dissemination of research, such as conferences, workshops, and colloquia, in coordination with the Frankel Center.
Non-US citizens may apply. If one is awarded the fellowship and is not a United States citizen, the University of Michigan International Office will work with the fellow to obtain a visa to permit employment at the University of Michigan for the two-year fellowship. Owing to the uncertainties of international mail, overseas applicants should try to postmark their applications by January 4, 2010.
Miscellaneous conditions:
Residence: The Fellow is expected to be in residence in Ann Arbor for the University academic years of appointment (September - April) and to participate in the activities of the Frankel Center for Judaic Studies. Off-campus research leave during academic terms will be permitted only in rare cases, only for brief periods of time, and only upon written application to the Director of the Center well in advance of the proposed leave. Any leave granted will count as part of the fellowship tenure.
Publications: Fellow is requested to cite his/her identification as the Mandell L. Berman Fellow at the University of Michigan in any publications that result from work done during his/her tenure and to provide the Frankel Center for Judaic Studies with copies of such published work.
Report on scholarship: At the end of each fellowship year, the Fellow is asked to submit a written report on activities and accomplishments during the year.
Activities: The Frankel Center for Judaic Studies is an interdisciplinary intellectual community. The Fellow will be expected to participate in monthly colloquia, to share his/her work in progress, and to engage in conversation with other members about intellectual concerns. The fellow will also be expected to disseminate results of his/her scholarship to the broader academic and Jewish communities.
Research assistance: The fellow will receive an office and computer as well as access to other research equipment as appropriate. The fellow may draw on additional funds for research up to $2,000 per year on approval from the Chair and with proper receipts. The fellow may seek support from external agencies if such support will enhance his/her scholarship.
Application procedure:
1. A current curriculum vitae. As an addendum, include a list of courses taken as a graduate student. No transcript is required.
2. A short (no more than one page, single spaced) description of your background, teaching interests, and a brief summary of your proposed research. If you are currently a doctoral candidate, please indicate the anticipated schedule of completion of your thesis.
3. A research proposal for the fellowship tenure of 1-5 pages. This proposal should outline the methods and aims of research beyond your thesis or other work on the subject. Please keep in mind that your project proposal will be read by non-specialists, as well as specialists in your field. Proposals that involve more than one discipline are especially welcome.
4. Two selected work samples. Because reviewers have limited time for reading each application, candidates must limit the number of work samples and length of papers. Do not send a copy of your dissertation, but you may send the introduction or short chapter.
5. Three letters of recommendation. Please have each recommender send the letter directly to:
Frankel Center for Judaic Studies
Attn: Deborah Dash Moore
202 South Thayer St.
2111 Thayer Building
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Please submit three copies of each item listed in 1-4.