The University of Notre Dame Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 2027–2029 is inviting applications from outstanding early-career scholars seeking to advance their academic careers in an intellectually rigorous environment that combines disciplinary expertise with interdisciplinary collaboration.

The fellowship is offered through the College of Arts & Letters at the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana, United States. For the 2027–2029 academic years, the College will appoint a cohort of eight postdoctoral fellows, with one fellow hosted by each of eight participating departments, institutes, or programs.

Selected fellows will receive an annual salary of $75,000 together with an additional $15,000 per year for research-related expenses and further professional training. Fellows will also receive faculty mentorship, office space, professional development opportunities, and opportunities to participate in university-wide academic activities.

The application deadline is December 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, and decisions are expected by March 1, 2027.

This opportunity is particularly suited to exceptional early-career researchers who want to strengthen their research, publishing, grant-writing, teaching, interdisciplinary collaboration, and academic leadership skills.

About the University of Notre Dame Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

The Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program was developed to support outstanding early-career scholars who are interested in producing high-quality research while making meaningful contributions to society.

The programme is designed around several major objectives.

These include:

• Supporting exceptional early-career scholars
• Providing rigorous disciplinary mentorship
• Encouraging interdisciplinary conversation and collaboration
• Strengthening the scholarly reputation of participating departments and institutes
• Promoting research connected to University Strategic Framework initiatives
• Developing fellows’ research skills
• Supporting academic publishing
• Strengthening grant-writing abilities
• Developing teaching skills
• Providing professional development opportunities
• Creating opportunities for academic networking and collaboration

The programme therefore goes beyond simply providing a postdoctoral position. It is structured as a two-year postdoctoral training and professional development experience intended to help fellows establish themselves as independent scholars and advance toward future academic careers.

For the 2027–2029 academic years, the College of Arts & Letters plans to appoint eight postdoctoral fellows in residence at the University of Notre Dame.

Each of the following units will host one fellow:

1. Department of Art, Art History, and Design
2. Department of English
3. Department of German, Slavic, and Eurasian Studies
4. Department of Philosophy
5. Department of Romance Languages and Literatures
6. Department of Theology
7. Initiative on Race and Resilience
8. Program in History and Philosophy of Science

Applicants are encouraged to explore the research interests and opportunities within these hosting units and identify an area in which their proposed research can make a strong scholarly contribution.

Fellowship Duration

The Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship is a two-year appointment.

The fellowship covers the 2027–2029 academic years, with fellows expected to be in residence at the University of Notre Dame.

The programme is designed to provide sufficient time for fellows to develop their research agendas, produce scholarly publications, pursue additional training, participate in academic activities, and build professional networks.

Fellowship Salary and Financial Support

One of the major attractions of the University of Notre Dame Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship is its financial support.

Selected fellows will receive:

Annual Salary: $75,000

Each fellow will receive an annual salary of:

$75,000

Additional Research and Training Support: $15,000 Per Year

Fellows will also receive:

$15,000 annually

to support expenses related to:

• Research
• Professional training
• Scholarly activities
• Other approved research-related needs

Over the two-year fellowship, the stated salary amounts represent:

• $150,000 in salary over two years
• Up to $30,000 in additional research and training support over two years

This provides substantial financial support for early-career scholars as they develop their academic careers.

Faculty Mentorship

Mentorship is an important component of the fellowship.

Hosting units will provide fellows with office space and work with the Director of Postdoctoral Studies in the College to identify appropriate primary faculty mentors for fellows’ proposed research projects.

Applicants may identify faculty members whose expertise aligns with their proposed research and explain why they would benefit from their mentorship.

Co-mentors with appointments at the University may also be identified at the discretion of the Director and the relevant hosting units.

An important instruction for applicants is that they should not contact faculty in the hosting department or institute to arrange a primary mentor or co-mentor before submitting the application.

Applicants can instead identify potential mentors within their research statement and explain why their expertise would be relevant to the proposed project.

Research and Professional Development

The fellowship is intended to help scholars develop the skills required for a successful academic career.

Fellows will have opportunities to strengthen their abilities in:

• Research
• Academic publishing
• Grant writing
• Teaching
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Professional networking
• Academic communication
• Research presentation
• Career development

The fellows will also participate in a university-wide cohort of distinguished researchers.

This cohort will regularly participate in:

• Lectures
• Colloquia
• Panel discussions
• Academic networking
• Research-related activities

These activities are intended to advance the fellows’ research and professional career aspirations.

Interdisciplinary Research Opportunities at Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame has established strategic initiatives intended to identify areas where the University can make significant contributions to major global and societal challenges.

The University has identified areas including:

• Arts
• Data, artificial intelligence, and computing
• Democracy
• Ethics
• Health and well-being
• Sustainability
• Global Catholicism

The University also maintains research strengths in traditional academic disciplines and operates more than 30 university-wide interdisciplinary centers and institutes.

Applicants are encouraged to explore these opportunities when developing their research proposals.

A strong application should demonstrate how the applicant’s research fits within the relevant academic environment and, where appropriate, how it could contribute to interdisciplinary research or broader University priorities.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is designed for outstanding early-career scholars.

Applicants must have successfully completed, or plan to complete, a doctoral degree within the specified eligibility period.

Specifically, applicants must have completed or plan to complete their doctoral degree between:

June 2024 and June 2027

Earlier doctoral completion dates may be considered where the applicant had qualifying:

• Maternity leave
• Paternity leave
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave

within the previous two years.

Nationality Eligibility

The University states that:

Scholars of all nationalities may apply.

Therefore, the fellowship is open to qualified applicants regardless of country of citizenship or nationality.

There is no stated restriction limiting applications to applicants from the United States, North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, Oceania, or any other particular region.

However, applicants must still satisfy the academic eligibility requirements and all other programme conditions.

Applicants With or Without Current Academic Positions

Candidates may apply whether or not they currently hold a permanent full-time research or teaching position.

The programme therefore welcomes eligible scholars who:

• Are currently completing their doctorate
• Have recently completed a doctorate
• Are working in temporary academic positions
• Are working in research positions
• Do not currently hold a permanent full-time academic position

This makes the fellowship particularly relevant to researchers at an early stage of their academic careers.

Who Is Not Eligible?

There are important exclusions that applicants should understand before preparing an application.

The following candidates are not eligible:

Current Postdoctoral Scholars at the University of Notre Dame

Current postdoctoral scholars at Notre Dame are not eligible to apply.

Doctoral Candidates and Graduates of the University of Notre Dame

Doctoral candidates at the University of Notre Dame and graduates of Notre Dame are also not eligible.

Applicants should carefully review these restrictions before investing time in preparing their application.

Participating Academic Units

The eight fellows selected for the 2027–2029 cohort will be distributed among eight participating units.

Department of Art, Art History, and Design

This unit provides opportunities for research relating to art, art history, design, visual culture, and related interdisciplinary areas.

Department of English

Applicants whose research focuses on literature, language, literary studies, cultural studies, or related areas may find potential alignment with this department.

Department of German, Slavic, and Eurasian Studies

This unit supports scholarship related to German, Slavic, Eurasian, linguistic, literary, historical, and cultural fields.

Department of Philosophy

Philosophy applicants may propose projects relating to areas such as ethics, epistemology, metaphysics, political philosophy, philosophy of science, or other relevant philosophical fields.

Department of Romance Languages and Literatures

This unit offers an academic home for research involving Romance languages, literatures, cultures, and related fields.

Department of Theology

Applicants conducting theological, religious, historical, ethical, or related research may consider the Department of Theology where their project aligns with its areas of expertise.

Initiative on Race and Resilience

This initiative provides opportunities for interdisciplinary research addressing questions related to race, resilience, society, history, culture, and related areas.

Program in History and Philosophy of Science

Researchers working at the intersection of history, philosophy, science, technology, and related fields may find alignment with this programme.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a complete application through Interfolio.

The application consists of several important components.

1. Cover Letter

Applicants must provide a cover letter explaining:

• Their research trajectory
• Their motivation for applying
• How the fellowship would further their career goals

The cover letter must:

• Be no more than 4 pages
• Be double-spaced
• Use 12-point font
• Use 1-inch margins

Applicants should use the cover letter to present a clear narrative connecting their academic background, research trajectory, proposed fellowship plans, and long-term career goals.

2. Curriculum Vitae

Applicants must submit a CV documenting their academic and professional background.

The CV should clearly demonstrate relevant achievements such as:

• Academic qualifications
• Research experience
• Publications
• Conference presentations
• Teaching experience
• Grants
• Awards
• Fellowships
• Professional activities
• Other scholarly accomplishments

Because the selection process considers the applicant’s academic profile, candidates should ensure that their CV presents their strongest scholarly achievements clearly.

3. Research Statement

Applicants must submit a research statement describing:

• Previous research accomplishments
• Proposed research project or projects during the fellowship
• The significance of the proposed work
• Potential contribution of the research
• Potential faculty mentors
• Reasons for selecting potential mentors

The research statement must not exceed:

5 pages

It must also be:

• Double-spaced
• Written in 12-point font
• Formatted with 1-inch margins

The research statement is one of the most important parts of the application because it allows the selection committee to evaluate the applicant’s scholarly trajectory and proposed research.

4. Writing Sample

Applicants must submit a writing sample representative of their own scholarly work.

The writing sample must not exceed:

10,000 words

Applicants should select a piece of work that demonstrates their strongest research, analytical, writing, and scholarly abilities.

5. Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must arrange for at least three letters of recommendation.

The recommendation letters must be submitted through Interfolio.

Applicants should not ask recommenders to email their letters directly to the University.

All required letters must be received by the application deadline.

Applications without the complete required number of recommendation letters will not be reviewed.

Applicants should therefore contact their recommenders well before the deadline to give them sufficient time to prepare and submit their letters.

Interfolio Application System

The University of Notre Dame is using Interfolio’s Faculty Search to manage the application process.

Applicants receive a free Dossier account through the application system.

This allows applicants to submit their application materials and confidential recommendation letters through the platform without paying a separate dossier fee.

Applicants should ensure that all materials are properly uploaded and that their recommenders have sufficient time to submit their letters before the deadline.

Application Deadline

December 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

This is the official application deadline for the 2027–2029 Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program.

Applicants should submit their materials well before the deadline and should not wait until the final day, particularly because recommendation letters must also be submitted by the deadline.

Decision Date

Applicants are expected to receive fellowship decisions by:

March 1, 2027

The selection process will determine which candidates advance to the final cohort of eight fellows.

READ MORE HERE

How to Apply

Interested candidates should prepare their application materials and submit them through the University of Notre Dame’s Interfolio application portal HERE .

Applicants should ensure that the following are submitted:

1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Research statement
4. Writing sample of no more than 10,000 words
5. At least three letters of recommendation through Interfolio

All materials should be complete before the deadline.

Important Application Instructions

Applicants should pay close attention to the formatting requirements.

Cover Letter

Maximum of 4 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins.

Research Statement

Maximum of 5 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins.

Writing Sample

Maximum of 10,000 words.

Recommendation Letters

At least three letters must be submitted through Interfolio.

Mentor Contact

Applicants should not contact potential faculty mentors in the hosting department or institute to arrange mentorship before applying.

Instead, applicants can identify potential mentors in their research statement and explain why their expertise would benefit the proposed project.

Application Timeline

Milestone	Date
Application opens	August 3, 2026
Application deadline	December 1, 2026, 11:59 PM ET
Fellowship decisions	By March 1, 2027
Fellowship period	2027–2029 academic years

Equal Opportunity and Diversity

The University of Notre Dame states that it is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The University does not discriminate on the basis of:

• Race
• Color
• National origin
• Ethnic origin
• Sex
• Disability
• Veteran status
• Genetic information
• Age

The University also prohibits discrimination against qualified veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The institution encourages applicants who are attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.

Background Check

The appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Applicants may be asked to identify:

• Felony convictions
• Pending felony charges

The University states that a felony conviction does not automatically prevent employment. Each case is considered individually to determine the appropriateness of employment.

Applicants are expected to provide truthful and complete information during the process.

Failure to disclose relevant information or dishonesty concerning required disclosures may result in disqualification.

Why This Fellowship Is Valuable for Early-Career Scholars

The Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship provides a combination of financial support, research development, faculty mentorship, professional development, and interdisciplinary engagement.

The programme can help fellows:

• Develop an independent research agenda
• Strengthen their publication record
• Gain additional teaching experience
• Develop grant-writing skills
• Work with established faculty mentors
• Build academic networks
• Participate in interdisciplinary research
• Present their work to academic audiences
• Develop long-term career strategies
• Strengthen their competitiveness for future academic positions

The two-year structure also gives fellows time to move beyond simply completing a short-term research project and instead build a sustainable academic research trajectory.

Application Checklist

Before submitting an application, candidates should confirm that they have:

• Completed or will complete a doctoral degree between June 2024 and June 2027
• Confirmed that they are not a current Notre Dame postdoctoral scholar
• Confirmed that they are not a Notre Dame doctoral candidate or graduate
• Prepared a cover letter of no more than 4 pages
• Prepared their curriculum vitae
• Prepared a research statement of no more than 5 pages
• Selected a writing sample of no more than 10,000 words
• Identified potential faculty mentors where appropriate
• Explained the relevance of the proposed mentorship
• Arranged at least three recommendation letters
• Ensured recommenders submit their letters through Interfolio
• Reviewed the relevant hosting unit
• Reviewed potential interdisciplinary research opportunities
• Submitted the complete application through Interfolio
• Completed the application before December 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET

Frequently Important Questions

Is the fellowship open to international applicants?

Yes. The University explicitly states that scholars of all nationalities may apply.

What degree is required?

Applicants must have completed or plan to complete a doctoral degree within the specified eligibility period.

Can someone who has not yet completed their PhD apply?

Yes. Applicants who plan to complete their doctoral degree by June 2027 may apply.

Can applicants who already have full-time academic positions apply?

Yes. The programme welcomes candidates both with and without permanent full-time research or teaching positions, provided they meet the other eligibility requirements.

How many fellows will be selected?

The College of Arts & Letters plans to appoint eight postdoctoral fellows for the 2027–2029 academic years.

How long is the fellowship?

The fellowship is a two-year appointment.

What is the salary?

The annual salary is $75,000.

Is there additional research funding?

Yes. Fellows receive an additional $15,000 per year for research endeavors and further training.

How many recommendation letters are required?

At least three letters of recommendation must be submitted through Interfolio.

Can recommenders email their letters directly?

No. Applicants are instructed to have recommendation letters submitted through Interfolio, rather than emailed directly.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is December 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

When will decisions be announced?

Decisions are expected by March 1, 2027.

Conclusion

The University of Notre Dame Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 2027–2029 represents a significant opportunity for exceptional early-career scholars seeking to strengthen their academic careers through research, mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional development.

The programme will select eight fellows for two-year appointments within the College of Arts & Letters. Fellows will receive a $75,000 annual salary, an additional $15,000 per year for research and training expenses, office space, faculty mentorship, and access to a university-wide community of distinguished researchers.

The fellowship is open to scholars of all nationalities, making it an internationally accessible opportunity for qualified researchers. However, applicants must satisfy the doctoral-degree eligibility window and should carefully note that current Notre Dame postdoctoral scholars, Notre Dame doctoral candidates, and Notre Dame doctoral graduates are not eligible.

Candidates interested in the fellowship should begin preparing their application well in advance. Particular attention should be given to the four-page cover letter, five-page research statement, 10,000-word writing sample, CV, and minimum of three recommendation letters.

The final application deadline is December 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time, with decisions expected by March 1, 2027.

For early-career scholars with an ambitious research agenda and a desire to participate in a highly interdisciplinary academic environment, the Notre Dame Provost’s Postdoctoral Fellowship offers an opportunity to develop scholarly expertise while building the foundation for a successful long-term academic career.

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