The Carter G. Woodson Institute for African-American and African Studies at the University of Virginia invites scholars whose work focuses on Africa and/or the African Diaspora to apply for a one-year postdoctoral research and teaching fellowship, beginning September 1, 2008. This residential fellowship, which carries a stipend of $45,000, includes a teaching requirement of one course in the African-American and African Studies program, to be offered in either the Fall or Spring semester of the fellowship term. The competition is open to qualified candidates without restriction as to citizenship or current residence.

TERMS: Postdoctoral fellowships cover one year, beginning September 1, and carry a stipend of $45,000, plus benefits. Please note: Individuals may not apply for the Woodson predoctoral and postdoctoral fellowships in the same year.

ELIGIBILITY: The competition for the Woodson Institute fellowship is open to qualified candidates without restriction as to citizenship or current residence except for current University employees, who may not apply. [Former employees of the University of Virginia may not apply against a deadline which falls within the twelve months immediately following the termination of their University of Virginia employment.] Applicants for the postdoctoral fellowship must have been awarded their Ph.D. by the time of application or furnish proof that it will have been received prior to June 30, 2008.

CONDITIONS: The postdoctoral fellow must be in residence at the University of Virginia for the duration of the award period, and must agree to teach one course in the African-American and African Studies program during the 2008-09 academic year. Woodson fellows are expected to make at least one formal presentation of their work to the University community.

APPLICATION MATERIALS: Applicants must submit the following materials in the number of copies indicated:

1. Completed summary sheet. (Original Only). This form is available on-line as an .html (text) document.

2. Letter of application stating interest in the program. (8 copies)

3. Curriculum Vita, which should include the following: personal information; date(s) and location(s) of degree(s) earned; honors and awards; lectures and conference presentations; publications; names of referees. (8 copies)

4. A project description not to exceed seven double-spaced pages. PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS EXCEEDING SEVEN DOUBLE-SPACED PAGES WILL NOT BE PASSED ON TO THE COMMITTEE. The project description should have a title. It should indicate the nature of the research to be completed during the period of the fellowship award as well as the significance of this work. The project description should include a detailed research plan giving concrete objectives to be achieved during the award period. For predoctoral candidates, these objectives must include award of the Ph.D. For postdoctoral candidates, the objectives should include a statement of publication plans of the results of the proposed research and writing. (8 copies)

5. Three confidential letters of reference to be sent directly to the Woodson Institute by persons qualified to evaluate proposal for which support is being sought. (Original only)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be postmarked no later than Saturday, December 1, 2007; application materials (including letters of reference) must be received by Friday, December 7, 2007, for full consideration.

Applications and supporting materials should be sent to:

Selection Committee
Residential Research Fellowships
The Carter G. Woodson Institute
108 Minor Hall
P.O. Box 400162
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4162

REVIEW PROCEDURES: All applications and supporting documents will be reviewed by a local committee supported by such outside consultants as may be required. Proposals will be judged on the basis of the following criteria:

1. The significance of the proposed work
2. The qualifications of the applicant
3. Familiarity with existing relevant research literature
4. The research design of the project
5. The promise of completion within the award period

Preference will be given to applicants whose field research is already substantially completed.

NOTIFICATION: Applicants will be notified by mail of the decision on their applications, and should receive those notifications in early March 2008.

BACK TO FELLOWSHIPS HOME PAGE