"Mellon Postdoctoral Research Associate in Black Queer Studies"

The Department of Africana Studies/Rites and Reason Theatre and the Cogut Institute for the Humanities at Brown University invite applications for a two-year appointment as Mellon Postdoctoral Research Associate in Black Queer Studies. The successful candidate must have expertise in Black queer theory and engage in humanistic inquiries into Black LGBTQ communities in the African Diaspora. Chronological and regional research expertise is open.

Though the field of expertise is open, the ideal candidate should have a Ph.D. in Africana Studies, African American Studies, African Diaspora Studies, American Studies, English, History, Sociology, Media Studies, Philosophy, or a related discipline in the Humanities.

The appointment will begin on July 1, 2026. Receipt of the Ph.D. or completion of all degree requirements is required by July 1, 2026. Recipients of a Ph.D. from Brown University are ineligible as are any applicants whose Ph.D. was earned prior to the last five years.

The postdoctoral research associate will receive standard benefits and a $2,000 per year reimbursable research fund. For this position, Brown offers only the J-1 visa classification to scholars who need immigration sponsorship in order to enter the U.S. and commence lawful employment under the terms of their appointment.

Successful applicants will have a demonstrated track record of teaching and/or research on some aspect of Black Queer Studies from one or more disciplinary perspectives, including, but not limited to history, political science, sociology, music, economics, performance studies, literature, or anthropology. The successful candidate will be appointed jointly with the Cogut Institute for the Humanities and will be able to collaborate with colleagues across other disciplines whose teaching and research focus on Gender and Sexuality Studies.

The appointee will be expected to teach one course per semester. As an affiliate with the Cogut Institute, they will also be expected to participate in a weekly research seminar with faculty, graduate, and undergraduate fellows.

To receive full consideration, the following materials should be submitted by noon (EST) on Monday, December 15th, 2025 to the application portal:

• A cover letter that details relevant qualifications; and addresses how the candidate would contribute to the research and/or teaching missions of our diverse and inclusive university community.
• A writing sample (30 pages max; preferably a journal article or dissertation chapter).
• A current CV (with the names and contact information of three references).

Materials should be submitted online at https://apply.interfolio.com/177762. Review of applications will begin on December 15, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.

For more information about the department, please visit our website at: https://africana.brown.edu/

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