Frequently Asked Questions for CEAS Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Environmental Humanities

What is the CEAS Postdoctoral Associate in the Environmental Humanities at Yale University?

The CEAS Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Environmental Humanities will provide a promising young scholar specializing in the intersection of environment and the humanities in East Asia one year at Yale University during which they can prepare their dissertations for publication, pursue research projects, gain experience teaching an advanced seminar to undergraduates, participate in teaching graduate students in the environmental humanities, and utilize Yale’s resources.

Who is eligible for the position?

Preference will be given to individuals in non-tenured positions who have earned their Ph.D. between 2017 and June 15, 2020. Applicants MUST have their Ph.D. degree in hand by October 1, 2020.

How do I apply?

Visit our Interfolio webpage to apply. INTERFOLIO LINK WILL BE POSTED SHORTLY

What is the appointment period?

The appointment period, most likely, will be from October 1st, 2020 – June 30th, 2021.

When is the application deadline?

Monday, August 3, 2020, and continuing on a rolling basis.

Are there interviews?

Interviews will be conducted by telephone.

What should I include in my cover letter?

Please explain why you are interested in the position and how your academic background and experience make you a strong candidate. Please indicate how you and your work would contribute to a broad interdisciplinary conversation at Yale about the environmental humanities. Avoid rehashing information stated in your C.V. and elsewhere in your application materials.

What should I include in my course description? 

A one-page summary of the course including an explanation of why you think this course will interest East Asian Studies majors. You also may submit a syllabus if available. The best proposals will demonstrate exciting ideas for teaching about the environment in East Asia and will give students a chance to do in-depth research, possibly using Chinese, Japanese, and Korean materials. Proposals with single region or transregional emphasis on China, Japan, and/or Korea are welcome.

Please note that the selected CEAS Postdoctoral Associate in the Environmental Humanities will work in close consultation with the East Asian Studies Director of Undergraduate Studies and other relevant faculty to finalize course syllabi for submission to the Yale College Course of Study Committee.

What kind of organization are Yale Environmental Humanities and the Council on East Asian Studies?

Yale Environmental Humanities is a campus-wide program to engage students and faculty in thinking about environmental topics from broadly humanistic perspectives. Yale Environmental Humanities hosts an ongoing workshop featuring graduate and faculty scholarship, as well as a variety of symposia and conferences. Yale Environmental Humanities launched a new Graduate Certificate in the Environmental Humanities in 2019.

The Council on East Asian Studies (CEAS) is responsible for creating and implementing much of the academic programming related to East Asia on the Yale campus. CEAS runs two interdisciplinary degree programs; an undergraduate major leading to a B.A. degree and a terminal M.A. program that prepares students for continued professional or graduate studies in the field of East Asia. In addition to the degree programs, CEAS organizes and sponsors various activities such as conferences, workshops, lectures, film series, and cultural events in an effort to increase awareness and knowledge of East Asia in the Yale community and beyond. Furthermore, CEAS provides funding to undergraduate and graduate students for summer language study, summer travel and research in East Asia, and dissertation research. CEAS also strongly supports faculty research endeavors.

How many Postdoctoral Associate positions are available?

One CEAS Environmental Humanities Postdoctoral Associate position is available.

What is required of the CEAS Postdoctoral Associate in the Environmental Humanities during their tenure at Yale?

Prepare their dissertation for publication and/or begin a new research project; give a public talk on their most recent research; assist with the organization and delivery of the yearlong “Topics in the Environmental Humanities” graduate workshop (meeting 6 times per semester); and, attend Yale Environmental Humanities functions including various conferences and workshops. The Associate also may teach one seminar course in Spring 2021 geared towards undergraduate East Asian Studies majors.

Am I eligible to apply if I will not have my Ph.D. degree in hand by October 1, 2020?

No.

What is the salary for the position?

The CEAS postdoctoral salary for 2020-2021 will be $55,000,  most likely pro-rated based on the start date for the appointment. 

What benefits will the CEAS Postdoctoral Associate in the Environmental Humanities receive?

Moving and research stipends, health insurance (spouses and family included), library privileges, and office space.

When should I expect to hear if I am selected as a finalist?

Finalists should expect to hear from the selection committee within two weeks of the final posted application deadline.

How will I be notified of my selection?

The successful applicant will be notified by phone, email, and regular mail. Other candidates will be notified in writing about 2-3 months after the submission deadline.

Are there any fields that the selection committee will find more appealing than others?

Not really. The strength and promise of the candidate will serve as the major criteria for selection. Applications are welcome from all humanities disciplines and from the humanistic social sciences.

Whom can I contact with questions?

You may direct questions to environmentalhumanities@yale.edu