Call for Applications: Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Modern Tibetan Studies

The Weatherhead East Asian Institute (WEAI) at Columbia University invites applications for the role of Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Modern Tibetan Studies for academic year 2025-2026. WEAI seeks a Research Scholar who studies Tibet, across the Tibetan Plateau and Himalayan Region, from any of a broad range of disciplines, including anthropology, education, environmental studies, geography, history, political science, and religion, or in the sciences. Early-career scholars with first-hand experience in indigenous climate change research and adaptation and who are familiar with current local practices and efforts to research, mitigate, and adapt to climate change impacts in their communities are especially encouraged to apply.

In collaboration with the Program Director, the Research Scholar will conduct research and convene a team of community leaders and researchers, working remotely with them throughout the year to identify projects that model paths to resilience in their respective home regions across the Tibetan Plateau and Himalayan Region. Members of this core team will visit Columbia in the spring of 2026 to present at a hybrid conference with in-person attendees and online participants worldwide. The Research Scholar will be responsible for co-designing and organizing the conference.

The Research Scholar will teach one course in the fall semester and is expected to pursue their own research throughout the year. The course would be a seminar directed at advanced undergraduate and M.A. students. The Research Scholar will collaborate with other Tibetan studies scholars, staff and students, and 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, and 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.
• Preference will be given to candidates who speak and read Tibetan or Chinese in order to conduct research using primary source materials.
• Native or near-native English fluency and writing skills is also requisite.
• Experience in coordinating conferences and/or project management, as well as communicating research findings and engaging partners in Asia online or via social media, is preferred.
   

Application Process

To apply, submit application materials to Sam Guyer ([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
• 1-2 page Project Vision Statement. Applicants should familiarize themselves with the related Project (https://mtsp.weai.columbia.edu/content/indigenous-knowledge-climate-change) and articulate a vision for the needs such a project could address and how a cooperative project might be structured.
• Curriculum Vitae, up-to-date and including a list of classes taught (if any)
• Course Evaluations for classes taught (if any)
• Three 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 Sam Guyer, [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 March 31, 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 April 18, 2025. Acceptance of award is due no later than April 28, 2025.

Weatherhead East Asian Institute
Attn. Sam Guyer
International Affairs Building, 911
420 West 118th Street
New York, NY 10027 USA

Email: [email protected]