Minority Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

Minority Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

Teachers College, Columbia University, is the largest and most comprehensive graduate school of education in the United States.  Its programs span education, psychology and health fields.  Located in New York City, the College has a diverse culture, with minority students comprising over one-third of the student body.

The Minority Postdoctoral Fellowship Program seeks to promote the recruitment and retention of a diverse faculty at Teachers College.  The program does this by advancing the careers of individuals from groups in U.S. society that have been historically underrepresented in the academic profession. It provides recent doctorate recipients the opportunity to develop a program of research and participate as an active community member in the life of a graduate research university.

The fellowship includes a $30,000 research stipend, $3,000 for teaching a course, research support of $3,000, free campus housing in a studio apartment (if desired), eligibility for low-cost student health insurance, and limited relocation costs.  No other benefits are provided. Appointment is for a nine-month period beginning in September and renewable for a second year contingent upon satisfactory progress and notification by December.  The acceptance of a fellowship carries with it the commitment to conduct research as outlined in the application proposal; provide a written annual report of the research program; teach one course per year; and participate in an academic program within a department of the College.  A second year will allow postdoctoral fellows to participate in faculty development activities to best prepare them to find a faculty position.

Eligibility Requirements: Applicant must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.  In making awards under this program, Teachers College gives consideration especially to individuals who are either members of a federally recognized U.S. racial/ethnic minority group or have a federally recognized disability.  The selection program committee also takes into account a range of other factors related to increasing diversity at the College, such as socioeconomic background, research and teaching goals that emphasize diversity, and first-generation college graduates.

Applicant must hold an earned doctorate* in any area related to education; have a commitment to research and teaching in a field related to education; and have completed a doctorate in the last 3 years (no earlier than January 1, 2007).  Teachers College doctoral graduates are not eligible to apply.  Candidates from historically underrepresented groups in higher education are strongly encouraged to apply.

The application deadline for Spring 2010 has passed and we are currently not accepting applications. Please check back in the Spring of 2011.

To apply candidates should submit:

• An information sheet with name, mailing address, telephone and fax numbers, e-mail address, title of research project, and the names of recommenders.
• A cover letter describing applicant's interest in doing postdoctoral work and relevant personal and professional background and interests.
• A curriculum vitae.
• A research proposal related to education, broadly defined, describing the research that the applicant would like to pursue during the fellowship (five-page limit, double-spaced).
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Any accommodations required.

Teachers College as an institution is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in employment.  In offering education, psychology, and health studies, the College is committed to providing expanding employment opportunities for persons of color, women, and persons with disabilities.