Tufts University CEVIHE Postdoctoral Fellowship in Social Sciences 2026: Fully Detailed Guide for Early-Career Scholars

The Center for Expanding Viewpoints in Higher Education (CEVIHE) at Tufts University has announced applications for its Postdoctoral Fellow in the Social Sciences position for Fall 2026. This prestigious academic opportunity is designed for early-career scholars whose research explores difficult, contested, and consequential questions shaping public life, public policy, institutions, and society.

The fellowship provides scholars with a unique chance to combine research, university-level teaching, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public engagement while contributing to conversations around pluralism, open inquiry, and intellectual diversity in higher education.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning May 4, 2026, and the position remains open until filled.

About the CEVIHE Fellowship at Tufts University

The Center for Expanding Viewpoints in Higher Education (CEVIHE) seeks to support emerging scholars who are interested in studying how societies navigate disagreement around political, cultural, social, and moral questions.

This fellowship focuses particularly on research that investigates:

• Controversial or contested issues in public life
• Political and social disagreement
• Public policy debates
• Institutional and cultural conflict
• The emergence and influence of controversial ideas or movements
• The dynamics of ideological inclusion or marginalization
• Open inquiry and pluralism in academic and civic spaces

The fellowship is one of the final two searches completing CEVIHE’s Fall 2026 postdoctoral fellowship cohort.

Host Institution: Tufts University

Founded in 1852, Tufts University is recognized internationally for:

• High-quality teaching
• Advanced basic and applied research
• Global citizenship and civic engagement
• Interdisciplinary learning
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

The university encourages faculty and scholars to engage constructively with individuals from diverse cultural, ideological, and social backgrounds.

Fellowship Position Overview

Position Title

Postdoctoral Scholar – Social Sciences

Location

Somerville, Massachusetts, USA

Work Mode

On-site

Duration

• Initial appointment: 1 year
• Start date: July 1, 2026
• Possible extension based on:
  • Performance
  • Funding availability
  • Mutual agreement

Work Schedule

• 35 hours per week
• Fellows are expected to work in person at least four days weekly

Salary

• Hiring range: USD $65,000 – $75,000
• Compensation depends on qualifications and experience

What Research Areas Are Encouraged?

CEVIHE welcomes applications from scholars whose work addresses underexamined or emerging questions in the social sciences.

Relevant research themes may include:

1. Political and Social Polarization

Research examining:

• Ideological conflict
• Political identity
• Public disagreement
• Democratic participation

2. Controversial Public Questions

Studies focused on:

• Cultural disputes
• Moral controversies
• Institutional conflicts
• Public policy debates

3. Influence and Marginalization of Ideas

Research investigating:

• Why some perspectives gain influence
• How certain viewpoints become marginalized
• Institutional gatekeeping
• Media ecosystems and public discourse

4. Open Inquiry and Academic Freedom

Projects exploring:

• Freedom of expression
• Intellectual diversity
• Debate culture
• University environments

5. Institutional and Civic Dynamics

Research on:

• Citizens and civic engagement
• Social movements
• Organizations and public institutions
• Trust in institutions

Eligible Academic Disciplines

Applicants may come from various social science fields, including:

• Political Science
• Sociology
• Economics
• Psychology
• Communications
• Public Policy
• Media Studies
• Related interdisciplinary social science disciplines

Interdisciplinary scholars are strongly encouraged to apply.

Teaching Responsibilities

The selected fellow will develop and teach two university courses connected to their research expertise.

Possible course formats include:

• Seminars
• Research-focused classes
• Debate-centered discussion courses
• Courses examining empirical and normative claims
• Public policy analysis classes

The fellowship particularly values courses that help students:

• Engage with competing ideas
• Analyze evidence critically
• Understand multiple perspectives
• Evaluate contentious public questions thoughtfully

Courses may also be co-listed with other departments at Tufts University.

Research and Professional Development Opportunities

The fellowship offers significant support for independent academic growth.

Selected fellows will have opportunities to:

Conduct Independent Research

Develop original scholarly work while affiliated with CEVIHE.

Participate in Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Work alongside postdoctoral fellows from multiple departments and academic backgrounds.

Receive Faculty Mentorship

Each fellow will be mentored by two faculty members affiliated with CEVIHE.

Join Academic Programming

Participate in:

• Weekly lunch series
• Workshops
• Seminars
• Intellectual discussions
• Public events

Build Teaching Experience

Gain valuable classroom and curriculum-development experience in a supportive university setting.

What Makes This Fellowship Unique?

This fellowship stands out because it directly supports scholarship focused on:

• Serious engagement with competing viewpoints
• Constructive disagreement
• Intellectual pluralism
• Open inquiry in higher education
• Difficult conversations in public life

Rather than avoiding contentious issues, the fellowship encourages rigorous and evidence-based examination of them.

This makes it especially attractive for scholars studying:

• Political conflict
• Social polarization
• Institutional trust
• Media influence
• Public discourse
• Democracy and civic life

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit the following documents:

Mandatory Documents

1. Application Letter
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Brief Research Statement
4. Teaching Philosophy Statement
5. Proposed Teaching Contribution
6. At Least One Sample Syllabus
7. Two Confidential Letters of Reference

Optional Documents

• Teaching evaluations (if available)

Reference letters must be submitted directly by the referees.

Application Review Timeline

Deadline Information

• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning May 4, 2026
• The position remains open until filled

Because the review process is rolling, early application submission is strongly recommended.

Contact Information

Questions regarding the fellowship may be directed to:

Arik Burakovsky
Email: Arik.Burakovsky@tufts.edu

Reference letters should also be submitted to this email address.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should:

• Hold a Ph.D. in a relevant field by the appointment start date
• Demonstrate strong research potential
• Show teaching capability and interest
• Have expertise related to contested public questions
• Be able to teach students to evaluate competing ideas rigorously

Strong candidates will demonstrate:

• Analytical rigor
• Methodological clarity
• Interdisciplinary engagement
• Commitment to pluralism and open inquiry

Why Scholars Should Consider Applying

This fellowship offers an outstanding platform for early-career academics who want to:

• Build a strong research profile
• Gain university teaching experience
• Engage deeply with public issues
• Join interdisciplinary intellectual communities
• Explore complex societal debates in a rigorous environment

The combination of research freedom, mentorship, teaching opportunities, and institutional support makes this a highly valuable academic opportunity.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can apply through the official application portal HERE.

Click HERE for more information about the Tufts University CEVIHE Postdoctoral Fellowship.

Explore more global fellowship opportunities on OFY here.