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Environmental Humanities Postdoc Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PPEH Test

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$55K/yr

Description The Penn Program in Environmental Humanities (PPEH) at the University of Pennsylvania invites applications for a two-year Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship. We seek applicants whose research ...

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Environmental Humanities Postdoc information

What is an environmental humanities postdoc?

Environmental Humanities Postdocs are early-career researchers who have recently earned their PhDs and are engaged in advanced research at the intersection of environmental studies and the humanities. These positions typically involve interdisciplinary work that explores how human culture, history, philosophy, literature, and the arts shape and are shaped by environmental issues. Postdocs in this field may teach courses, conduct independent research, collaborate on projects, and contribute to academic publications. The goal is often to deepen our understanding of the social, ethical, and cultural dimensions of environmental challenges and to develop innovative responses to them.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an environmental humanities postdoc?

To thrive as an Environmental Humanities Postdoc, you generally need a PhD in a relevant field, strong research abilities, and a track record of interdisciplinary scholarship. Familiarity with qualitative research methods, digital humanities tools, and academic publishing platforms is often expected. Exceptional communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills help you engage with diverse academic and community partners. These competencies are vital for producing impactful research, securing funding, and advancing innovative environmental humanities scholarship.

What interdisciplinary collaborations are typical for an environmental humanities postdoc, and how do they contribute to the role's impact?

Environmental Humanities Postdocs frequently collaborate with scholars from fields such as ecology, geography, history, and the arts to examine the cultural, ethical, and societal dimensions of environmental issues. These interdisciplinary projects often involve co-authoring research, participating in joint seminars, and developing public-facing initiatives that bridge science and the humanities. Such collaborations not only expand the postdoc’s professional network but also enrich research outcomes, making them more relevant and impactful in addressing complex environmental challenges. Engaging with diverse disciplines encourages innovative thinking and can open doors to varied academic and non-academic career paths.

What is the difference between Environmental Humanities Postdoc vs Environmental Studies Research Associate?

AspectEnvironmental Humanities PostdocEnvironmental Studies Research Associate
Required CredentialsPhD in Humanities, Environmental Studies, or related fieldMaster's or PhD in Environmental Science, Policy, or related field
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, research centers, universitiesResearch organizations, NGOs, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academia, focusing on humanities-based environmental researchResearch-focused roles in environmental policy, science, and advocacy

The Environmental Humanities Postdoc typically involves academic research and teaching within humanities-focused institutions, emphasizing cultural, ethical, and philosophical aspects of environmental issues. In contrast, an Environmental Studies Research Associate often works in scientific or policy-oriented settings, focusing on empirical research and practical applications. Both roles require advanced degrees but differ in their focus, work environment, and industry usage.

What are popular job titles related to Environmental Humanities Postdoc jobs?

For Environmental Humanities Postdoc jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Environmental Humanities Postdoc job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

2027-28 Mahindra Humanities Center Postdoctoral Fellow

Cambridge, MA • On-site

Harvard University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 51 - 200 employees

$70K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Harvard University rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

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Job description

Position
Details
Title
2027-28 Mahindra Humanities Center Postdoctoral Fellow
School
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Department/Area
Mahindra Humanities Center
Position Description
The Mahindra Humanities Center invites applications for four one-year postdoctoral fellowships on the topic of the environmental humanities, drawn from any humanistic discipline. We interpret the environmental humanities in the broadest terms, to include all parts of the world and historical eras. Topics may include (but are not limited to) humanistic approaches to climate change, biodiversity, social justice, environmental justice, food justice, regenerative practices, gardening, landscape, urban foraging, health, and animal studies.
We welcome applications from scholars in all fields whose work innovatively engages with the environment and the humanities. In addition to pursuing their own research projects, fellows will be core participants in the bi-weekly seminar meetings for both academic semesters of the fellowship. Other participants will include faculty and graduate students from Harvard and other universities in the region, and occasional visiting speakers. Fellows will also be encouraged to engage with the Center's Environment Forum programming.
Fellows will receive stipends of $70,000, medical insurance, additional research support of $2,500, and (for those not already in residence in Greater Boston) $1,500 in moving expenses. Fellows are expected to be in residence at Harvard for the term of the fellowship.
Basic Qualifications
Applicants for 2027-28 fellowships must have received a doctorate on or after May 2024. Applicants without a doctorate must demonstrate that they have completed all requirements for the degree, including dissertation defense, by August 1, 2027. Scholars from outside the United States are appointed under either the J-1 visa (Research Scholar status) or F-1 OPT (Optional Practical Training), depending on their circumstances. If awarded a fellowship, the term of appointment for international scholars is September 1, 2027-August 31, 2028. The Mahindra Center reserves the right to cancel awards if the recipient is unable to meet these conditions of completion and visa status.
The application deadline for applicants to submit their materials is November 20, 2026. The deadline for receipt of letters of recommendation is December 4, 2026.
Additional Qualifications
Special Instructions
In addition to biographical and professional information, applicants are asked to submit:
  • A curriculum vitae.
  • A statement of the research project (1,000-3,000 words) that provides a detailed description of what the applicant proposes to do during the fellowship year.
  • One chapter- or article-length writing sample (no longer than 40 pages).
  • Names and contact information of three referees, who will be asked by a system-generated email to upload a letter of recommendation once the candidate's application has been submitted. Three letters of recommendation are required, and the application is considered complete only when three letters have been received. Recommendations may be those included in the applicant's placement dossier, but they must specifically address the proposed research project. Letters should be uploaded to the electronic application.

Please contact Lisa Brown (lisabrown@fas.harvard.edu) with any questions about applying for a fellowship.
Contact Information
Lisa Brown
Mahindra Humanities Center at Harvard
12 Quincy Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
Contact Email
lisabrown@fas.harvard.edu
Salary Range
$70,000-$70,000
Minimum Number of References Required
3
Maximum Number of References Allowed
3
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