DKU Documentary Practice Global Fellows Program

The DKU Global Fellows program invites applications from recent MFA graduates working in documentary practice for a two-year Global Fellow position. Preference will be given to candidates who can offer a wide range of courses in our Arts and Media curriculum, which includes classes on photography, documentary filmmaking, web-based multimedia design, graphic design, media studies, and critical theory. Duke MFAs are especially encouraged to apply.

The DKU Global Fellows Program is designed to offer an international experience to junior scholars whose records demonstrate excellence in teaching (or promise thereof) and an interest in pursuing an academic career. DKU Global Fellows teach at Duke Kunshan University (DKU) for the Undergraduate Program.

Global Fellows receive a standard 2-year non-renewable appointment teaching the equivalent of 4 courses per year, although shorter appointments (8 weeks, one semester, or one year at the candidate's discretion) are also possible. Assignment of classes will be determined by fellow-specific expertise and by DKU teaching needs. Fellows will be invited to participate in teaching-related professional development programs during their appointment.

The Fellowship is contingent upon successful receipt of the appropriate type of Chinese visa.

The award carries a $13,000 stipend ($17,000 for fellows who have completed their MFA) for two courses, a $1,500 allowance for costs related to research or course preparation, travel costs to/from China, health insurance, and a housing allowance.

Post-doctoral fellows or advanced doctoral students are also invited to apply.

Eligibility for the DKU Global Fellows Program

1. Applicants must have recently completed a university MFA program, or be full-time students, in good standing, in a university MFA program at the time of application. Students who expect to complete their MFA before the fellowship year begins are also welcome to apply.
2. Applicants should:

2. Be able to participate in the fellowship for at least 7 weeks of the 2027-28 academic year.
3. Expect to devote themselves full time to their teaching and research during the time at DKU. Fellows may not undertake other teaching or research opportunities at DKU, Duke or elsewhere during the period of the fellowship.

NOTE FOR DUKE APPLICANTS ONLY: When applicable, the DKU Global Fellows Program replaces other graduate school stipend and scholarship funding a student may have been scheduled to receive for the fellowship year. Eligibility for other funding cannot be “banked” for use in a subsequent year, though this should not limit a department’s internal funding structure. Fellows who receive offers for other awards should contact the Graduate School to determine whether the two awards may be held concurrently. The DKU Fellowship will cover tuition fees at Duke University for a semester.

Selection Process

1. Applicants from all disciplines are invited to apply.
2. Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated excellence in teaching, a commitment to liberal arts education, and who have completed their dissertation or are close to completing their dissertation.
3. Fellow selection will be guided by the need, priorities and preferences for particular fields and courses expressed by DKU. The number and type of Fellows needed will vary somewhat from year to year.

Application Process

Application

The Academic Jobs Online application software is used to submit applications.

You will be asked to upload the following documents:

1. A current curriculum vitae.
2. A cover letter outlining your teaching experience and interests; and long-term career goals.
3. Your university transcript (a copy of an unofficial transcripts issued to the student is acceptable).
4. A teaching statement, describing teaching goals, strategies, and/or philosophy.
5. A one-page summary of (a) all quantitative evaluation data for courses taught or TA’d and (b) the two most prominent positive and negative themes from the qualitative data.
6. A one-page outline of your MFA portfolio or project
7. A letter of support from your advisor or supervisor describing your degree completion status and progress, and your fit with this fellowship program (may be one of three required letters of reference).
8. At least one faculty letter of recommendation assessing your teaching skills and scholarly promise.

Instructions: to apply, please visit https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/32551

Award Notifications

Applicants will be notified of award decisions by March 1, 2027.

Contact

Qian Zhu
Associate Division Chair, Arts and Humanities (qian.zhu77@dukekunshan.edu.cn)

Application Materials Required

Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Teaching statement
• University Transcript (copy acceptable)
• 1-page summary/reflection on teaching
• Outline of portfolio/project
• Three reference letters (to be submitted online by the reference writers on this site)

And anything else requested in the description.