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Postdoctoral Fellow In American Literature Jobs

Postdoctoral Fellow

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$54K - $73K/yr

Position Details Title Postdoctoral Fellow School Faculty of Arts and Sciences Department/Area ... Basic Qualifications Candidates should hold a PhD in the relevant areas or be nearing their PhD ...

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Postdoctoral Fellow In American Literature information

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$25K

$59K

$83.5K

How much do postdoctoral fellow in american literature jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral fellow in american literature in the United States is $59,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Postdoctoral Fellow in American Literature?

A Postdoctoral Fellow in American Literature is an early-career scholar who has completed their PhD and is engaged in advanced research and academic work focused on American literary studies. These fellows typically collaborate with faculty, teach courses, and conduct independent research projects with the goal of publishing their findings in academic journals or books. The position is usually temporary, lasting one to three years, and is often a stepping stone to a permanent academic appointment such as a tenure-track professorship.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Fellow In American Literature vs Postdoctoral Fellow In English Literature?

AspectPostdoctoral Fellow In American LiteraturePostdoctoral Fellow In English Literature
Required CredentialsPh.D. in American Literature or related fieldPh.D. in English Literature or related field
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, research centers, universitiesAcademic institutions, research centers, universities
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in American Studies departments
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for specialization in American cultural studies

The main difference between a Postdoctoral Fellow In American Literature and a Postdoctoral Fellow In English Literature lies in their specialization. The American Literature role focuses on American cultural, historical, and literary studies, while the English Literature role covers a broader range of English literary works globally. Both positions require a Ph.D. in their respective fields and are typically based in academic or research settings. They serve similar research and teaching purposes but differ in their regional and thematic focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Postdoctoral Fellow in American Literature, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Fellow in American Literature, you need an advanced degree (typically a PhD) in American Literature or a closely related field, along with strong research and analytical skills. Familiarity with academic databases, digital humanities tools, and experience publishing in peer-reviewed journals are valuable technical qualifications. Excellent written and verbal communication, collaboration, and time management skills help you stand out in this role. These competencies are essential for producing original scholarship, contributing to academic communities, and advancing your academic career.

What are the typical collaborative opportunities for a Postdoctoral Fellow in American Literature within a university setting?

As a Postdoctoral Fellow in American Literature, you'll have opportunities to collaborate with faculty, graduate students, and sometimes undergraduate researchers on interdisciplinary projects, conferences, and publications. You may also participate in department seminars, reading groups, and co-teach or guest lecture in courses. These collaborations not only enhance your research portfolio but also help build your academic network, which is vital for future career advancement. Engaging with the wider academic community can lead to co-authored articles, grant proposals, and invitations to present your work.
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Fellow In American Literature job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 4% Full Time, 8% Temporary, and 84% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

$60K/yr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Position Details
Title Post-Doctoral Fellow HBW Appointment Status Non-Tenure Track Department IU Bloomington English Location Bloomington Position Summary
The History of Black Writing (HBW) is an active research center focused on fostering innovative scholarship in American literature, book history, and digital humanities. Situated in the College of Arts and Sciences in the English Department of Indiana University - Bloomington (IU), HBW endeavors to build a collaborative intellectual community to engage in dialogue about the recovery and preservation of literary texts, public humanities, and the future of archives. With funding from the Mellon Foundation, HBW will redesign and expand the Black Literature Network website's archives portal (https://www.blacklitnetwork.org/archives).
HBW seeks candidates for a Postdoctoral Fellow position. Working with Susan D. Gubar Chair, Associate Professor of English, and HBW Director Ayesha Hardison, the two-year fellowship invites a postdoctoral scholar to join an interdisciplinary team to highlight Black archival collections across the country.
Basic Qualifications
Ph.D. in African American studies, American literature, public humanities, archival studies, library and information science, museum studies, public history, or a related field (degree must be conferred by start date)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders Strong organizational and project management skills
Familiarity with archival description standards, finding aids, and/or digital collection platforms
Department Contact for Questions
Please contact the IU English staff at email engadmin@iu.edu with any questions regarding the application process.
Additional Qualifications
Experience working with or in libraries, archives, special collections, or cultural heritage organizations
Demonstrated interest in African American literary or cultural history
Experience with community-engaged research or public-facing scholarship
Familiarity with metadata standards, digital humanities tools, and/or archival databases
Salary and Rank $60,000 Post-Doctoral Fellow Special Instructions
Applications should include:
1. a cover letter describing the applicant's interest in the History of Black Writing and experience with collaborative archival and public humanities work;
2. a curriculum vitae;
3. a 2-3 page statement outlining the applicant's research interests and professional development goals
4. one writing sample (15-25 pages);
5. the names of 2-3 referees.
For Best Consideration Date 05/12/2026 Expected Start Date 08/01/2026 Posting Number IU-101552-2026