The Weatherhead East Asian Institute (WEAI) at Columbia University invites applications for the role of Postdoctoral Research Scholar for the academic year 2025-2026. WEAI seeks scholars who study Modern China from any of a broad range of disciplines within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. The Research Scholar will teach two courses — one that is an introductory survey/lecture course and the other an advanced UG/MA student course — during their appointment as well as pursue their own research. The Research Scholar will participate in collaborative projects with other Modern China scholars, staff, and students, and they will be an active participant in day-to-day WEAI programs and events.
The appointment is for the 2025-2026 academic year, beginning September 1, 2025, ending August 31, 2026. The position comes with shared office space and access to the libraries and resources of Columbia University. The incumbent is eligible for a number of benefits, including health and dental.
Eligibility
Applicants must have completed all Ph.D. degree requirements (dissertation completed and filed) between May 1, 2022 and June 30, 2025.
Applicants with prior full-time university-level teaching appointments will be considered on a case-by-case basis only; all other individuals eligible.
Application Process
To apply, submit application materials to Hua Lin Hsu ([email protected]). Please note that applicants are required to send all files in one email or to upload them to a cloud-based application and send the URL via email for full consideration. Faxed or mailed applications will not be considered.
- Application Cover Sheet (download here)
- 1-2 page Cover Letter that briefly states your interest in the program, your background, and a summary of your research
- Curriculum Vitae, up-to-date and including a list of classes taught (if any)
- Course Evaluations for classes taught (if any)
- Two Course Syllabi for seminars (to be offered to advanced undergraduate and MA-level students)
- Two Letters of Reference that include an evaluation of the applicant’s research, proposed courses, and prior experience (teaching or otherwise). Referees may provide their letters via one of three methods: 1) the applicant's Interfolio account; 2) direct e-mail to Hua Lin Hsu, [email protected]; or 3) signed, sealed, and mailed to the address at the bottom of this page.
Application Deadline
All application materials (including letters of reference) must be received by the Institute on or before May 16th, 2025. 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 May 30th, 2025. Acceptance of award is due no later than June 6th, 2025.
Weatherhead East Asian Institute
Attn. Hua Lin Hsu
International Affairs Building, 914C
420 West 118th Street
New York, NY 10027 USA
