The Tang Center Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Early China Studies

With the generous support of the Tang Center for Early China, the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures at Columbia University is pleased to invite applications for a one-year Postdoctoral Research Scholar position in Early China Studies, to start on September 1, 2026, and end on August 31, 2027.

The Tang Center Postdoctoral position is intended to foster the academic careers of recent PhDs whose area of research is Early China Studies. In addition to pursuing his or her own research, the successful candidate is expected to teach one course per semester (two courses in total). One course must be a department core course "Introduction to East Asian Civilizations: China," and the other course must be a graduate seminar on Early China. In some cases, other teaching assignments may be made according to departmental need. He/she will give a lecture at the Tang Center, and take part in the regular events of the department and the Tang Center.

Compensation includes a competitive annual salary, and health benefits. The scholar will be provided with office space, access to the library system, and other related administrative assistance.

Review of applications will begin on June 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

Applicants must have completed their Ph.D. degrees (defense and deposit of the dissertation) by June 30, 2026, but no earlier than July 1, 2020. Candidates who do not yet hold a Ph.D. but expect it by June 30, 2026, must indicate the date of the defense and the date of the dissertation deposit.

All applications must be made through Columbia University’s Academic Search and Recruiting system (ASR/Interfolio). Please upload the following required materials:

1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. 10 page double-spaced research project proposal with the following information:
   • The significance of the project
   • Comprehensive list of sources
   • Method of study
   • Potential contributions of the proposed research
4. A one-page statement of teaching interests
5. Two syllabi, one of which is for a graduate seminar course on Early China, and the other for the undergraduate lecture course: “Introduction to East Asian Civilizations: China” (note: Columbia courses normally meet a total of two or three hours per week throughout a fourteen-week semester).
6. A writing sample (may be a dissertation chapter)
7. Two letters of recommendation (in English)

Application materials (including letters of reference) received by May 30, 2026 will receive full consideration. Candidates may be invited for an interview to be held by phone or video. All evaluations made in connection with applications received are confidential.