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What is African Studies?

African Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that focuses on the history, culture, politics, languages, and societies of Africa and its people. It draws from disciplines such as history, anthropology, political science, literature, economics, and sociology to provide a comprehensive understanding of the continent. Scholars in this field analyze both historical and contemporary issues affecting Africa, including its interactions with the global community. African Studies programs often encourage critical thinking and cross-cultural awareness, preparing students for careers in research, education, international development, diplomacy, and more.

What jobs can I get with an African Studies degree?

With a degree in African Studies, your career options include jobs in academia, communications, and non-profit advocacy, among others. You can work as an instructor or administrator and teach students to appreciate the contemporary and historical nuances of African culture and society. You can perform research into African politics and thought, or work with a government agency to develop policy, promote public health programs on the continent, or support urban planning. As an Africanist, your duties and responsibilities vary depending on the focus of your work, but a deep respect for the traditions and values of African society is the foundation of any role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an African Studies specialist, and why are they important?

To excel as an African Studies Specialist, you need a strong academic background in African history, cultures, and languages, typically supported by a relevant degree such as African Studies, Anthropology, or History. Familiarity with research methodologies, qualitative and quantitative analysis tools, and proficiency in local African languages are commonly required. Excellent cross-cultural communication, critical thinking, and adaptability help you engage meaningfully with diverse communities and interdisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for producing insightful research, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and contributing to informed policy or educational initiatives.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in African Studies roles within academic or research institutions?

Professionals in African Studies often face challenges such as securing funding for research projects, navigating interdisciplinary collaborations, and addressing the diversity of languages and cultures across the continent. Additionally, there may be difficulties in accessing reliable primary sources or field sites, especially due to political or logistical barriers. However, these challenges can be mitigated through strong networking within the academic community, ongoing professional development, and leveraging institutional resources dedicated to global or area studies.

What is the difference between African Studies vs Anthropology?

AspectAfrican StudiesAnthropology
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in African Studies, History, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Anthropology or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentUniversities, research institutes, cultural organizationsAcademic, research, fieldwork, museums
Industry UsageFocus on African history, culture, politicsBroader focus on human societies worldwide

While African Studies specializes in the history, culture, and politics of Africa, Anthropology covers a broader range of human societies globally. Both fields often share similar credentials and work environments, but African Studies offers a more focused regional expertise, whereas Anthropology provides a wider perspective on human behavior and societies.

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african studies jobs near you
Infographic showing various African Studies job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution.

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Africana Studies

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Indiana University Academic Positions
See more jobs at Indiana University Academic Positionsexternal

$10/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Teach two courses per academic year in Africana Studies, History, Museum Studies or other appropriate departments/programs.

  • Contribute actively to one or more of BHIM's interdisciplinary labs: the Research Development Lab, Applied Humanities Lab, or Humanities in Community Lab.

  • Participate in programs, workshops, symposia, and community-engaged events.

Job description

Position Details
Title Postdoctoral Fellowship in Africana Studies Appointment Status Non-Tenure Track Department IU Indianapolis School of Liberal Arts Location Indianapolis Position Summary
CASC and the Africana Studies Program at Indiana University Indianapolis invite applications for a Mellon Foundation-funded Postdoctoral Fellowship linked to the newly established Black Humanities in the Midwest (BHIM) Africana Studies Research Center. With a scholarly record meeting IU's academic standards for tenure-track positions, the postdoctoral fellow will have the opportunity to be considered for hire as an assistant professor after the second year. 
We are seeking an early career scholar with expertise in African American/Africana public history, art history in the Black diaspora, or the history of museums or anchor cultural institutions. There is specific interest in scholars who explore the role, history, and transformative impact of museums, Black cultural productions (e.g., photography, film, material culture), and curatorial practice in African American and African-diasporic culture and life. The successful candidate will be instrumental in shaping the future direction of the programs in Africana Studies and Museum Studies, teaching specialized courses in public history, Africana Studies, museum studies, and fostering collaborations with museums, community-based organizations, and Black cultural institutions throughout Indiana and the Midwest. 
The BHIM fellow will:
  • Teach two courses per academic year in Africana Studies, History, Museum Studies or other appropriate departments/programs;
  • Contribute actively to one or more of BHIM's three interdisciplinary labs: the Research Development Lab, Applied Humanities Lab, or Humanities in Community Lab; and
  • Participate in programs, workshops, symposia, and community-engaged events. 

Fellows are expected to be in residence at the IU Indianapolis campus during the fellowship period, apart from research-related travel. The successful candidate will be expected to play a role in forwarding the efforts of the Center for Africana Studies and Culture by contributing service to the center. The postdoc will also need to have a productive scholarly agenda in order to successfully transition to a tenure-track appointment. 
Indiana University is fully committed to provide mentoring, resources, and structures to support postdoctoral fellows as they seek to meet the scholarly expectations necessary to be appointed to a tenure-track position. The offer of a tenure-track position requires a positive evaluation and approval following the usual governance procedures and policies of the relevant department, the School of Liberal Arts, and Indiana University. As a Carnegie Research 1 campus, the School of Liberal Arts requires all new tenure-track hires to seek promotion and tenure based on overall excellence in research.
As the state's premier urban research institution, IU Indianapolis is a dynamic campus of over 20,000 students and has been recognized for excellence in civic engagement and community partnerships. IU Indianapolis is committed to being a welcoming campus community and we seek candidates whose research, teaching, and community engagement efforts contribute to robust learning and working environments for all students, staff, and faculty.
Basic Qualifications
Applicants must hold a PhD at the time of the appointment. We seek scholars in Africana Studies or affiliated disciplines (as outlined in above description) who can contribute to BHIM's research labs and work towards the completion of their book manuscript or other scholarly projects. Current doctoral candidates are welcome to apply but must defend their dissertation prior to the start date. Please note the anticipated or confirmed completion date in the cover letter.
Department Contact for Questions
Questions regarding the position or application process can be directed to Search Committee Chair Joseph Tucker Edmonds: jtuckere@iu.edu.
Additional Qualifications Salary and Rank $60,000, 10-month appointment Special Instructions
Applicants should submit the following at: https://indiana.peopleadmin.com. 
  1. Cover Letter (detailing research, teaching interests, and fit with BHIM and CASC)
  2. Curriculum Vitae
  3. Writing Sample (no more than 30 pages)
  4. Contact Information for Three References. 
Finalists will be asked to submit three letters of reference and provide transcripts for their graduate work.
For Best Consideration Date 04/01/2026 Expected Start Date 08/01/2026 Posting Number IU-101507-2026

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