To build the Lehigh of the future, the Advancing Future Faculty Diversity Postdoctoral Scholars Program seeks applications from outstanding scholars with diverse backgrounds and perspectives who plan to pursue a career in the professoriate. The Department of History is a qualified host unit, and seeks applicants in the area of transnational South Asia, broadly defined. The position is an enriched postdoctoral appointment where alongside the pursuit of research activities, professoriate training is provided to develop competitive faculty skills. Following the successful postdoctoral experience, the scholar may be considered for an Assistant Professor position in the Department of History at Lehigh University (or is expected to be competitive for positions at other institutions). We invite applications for the third cohort of Lehigh's Advancing Future Faculty Diversity Postdoctoral Scholars to start as soon as Summer/Fall 2025.
This opportunity is aimed at prospective future faculty whose experience and plans for teaching, research and service are aligned with creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive academic culture of excellence at Lehigh University or similar institutions. Other eligibility details can be found online in the "About the Program" section.
Scholars will join departments, programs, or research institutes committed to fostering robust, inclusive professional development conducive to preparing top talent for tenure track success. In that environment, scholars will be expected to develop strong research programs, contribute to Lehigh's educational mission, augment or complement existing strengths, and collaborate effectively with colleagues. In addition, scholars must also be committed to the enhancement of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment in which world-class faculty, staff, and students can thrive to their full potential. We encourage applications from members of social identity groups historically underrepresented in the academy or their disciplines.
To apply, visit the Program website. Applicants will be asked to submit a cover letter, CV, teaching statement, research statement, and statement of contributions to diversity, inclusion, and equity. At the semi-finalist and finalist stages of the search, outstanding applicants will also be asked to submit writing samples. Questions should be addressed to the Lehigh ADVANCE Center, advance@lehigh.edu. Applications will be reviewed as they are received until the deadline (January 1, 2025) for ideal matching of support and career success.
Appointed scholars will create individual future faculty development plans, participate in networked mentoring support, engage in professional development activities, including those offered by the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and receive a flexible professional development fund of $10,000 per year as part of establishing an independent career. Host units commit to other research resources to set the scholar up for success in their research activities. Positions are one year renewable appointments; most scholars will complete two years; some may renew for a third.
At Lehigh University, Postdoctoral Scholars are staff members eligible for full employee benefits, including access to medical, dental, and retirement plan contributions. The starting salary for the Postdoctoral Scholar in the Department of History is $70,000 per year. This appointment also includes $10,000 in annual funds for research and professional development and up to $10,000 in one-time relocation expenses.
Founded in 1865, Lehigh University has combined outstanding academic and learning opportunities with leadership in fostering innovative research. Recognized among the nation's highly ranked research universities, Lehigh offers a rigorous academic community for over 7,000 students and about 550 full-time faculty members. Lehigh University is located in Bethlehem, PA., a vibrant and historic area. Over 820,000 people live in the Lehigh Valley, which is in close proximity to New York City and Philadelphia.
Lehigh University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital or familial status, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. We are committed to the pursuit of the educational benefits of a diverse campus community. Lehigh University is committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse academic community and is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching and/or service, to this mission. Lehigh University sustains an active ADVANCE Center following receipt of an NSF ADVANCE Institutional Transformation award to increase the representation and advancement of women in academic sciences and engineering, and has for five consecutive years been among institutions of higher education recognized for excellence in diversity with the INSIGHT into Diversity HEED Award. Lehigh’s College of Business also received INSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine’s 2023 Inspiring Programs in Business Award. Additional information about Lehigh’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is available at https://diversityandinclusion.lehigh.edu/. Lehigh University provides competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including domestic partner benefits. More information about Work/Life Balance for Faculty can be found at https://provost.lehigh.edu/resources/worklife-balance. Lehigh University supports dual career efforts for following spouses/partners of newly hired faculty.