The Karsh Institute of Democracy at the University of Virginia (UVA) invites applications for two postdoctoral Gibson Fellowships for scholars doing work that provides a deeper understanding of the era of the American Revolution and its legacies. These will be two-year fellowships, from September 2024 through August 2026. During the first year, the fellowship will entirely support the fellow’s research. During the second year, along with their research, the postdoctoral fellows will also work with the Karsh Institute of Democracy to contribute to public programming linked to the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. This programming work will be supported by our staff and resources, and throughout the fellowship we also offer support for public scholarship of various kinds.

We are particularly interested in scholars working in the fields of History, Literary Studies, and/or Political Theory. In addition to scholarship specifically on the course of the American Revolution, we also welcome applications for work that explores intellectual genealogies, cultural transformations, or economic, political, and social developments during the long eighteenth century. We see the American Revolution as situated within a wide geographical context, and one shaped by multiple sovereignties, and are interested in work that offers new perspectives on the period.

The fellows will be a part of the John L. Nau III Lab of the History & Principles of Democracy at the Karsh Institute of Democracy, and they will have the opportunity to work with core faculty members in the lab. In addition, we will help fellows connect with relevant seminars and workshops across UVA as well as with nearby historical sites according to their interests. 

The Karsh Institute of Democracy is dedicated to a future in which democracy’s aspirations and reality are aligned. We work tirelessly to understand, defend, and invigorate the institutions, practices, and cultural underpinnings that are the foundations of democracy. Through all our work— robust interdisciplinary scholarship, research and teaching, and vibrant programs and partnerships designed to engage the public and influence policy agendas—we are shaping a thriving democratic future.

The annual salary for each position is $65,000 per year, with an additional $5,000 per year in research funding. Qualified candidates must have their Ph.D. completed by the beginning of the fellowship. Candidates must submit their application materials by Friday, December 1st, 2023, including:  

• A cover letter outlining their interest in the fellowship
• A CV
• A writing sample of 30-50 pages, representing work that would be relevant for this position.
• A description (not to exceed 2 single-spaced pages) of the scholarly work to be pursued during the fellowship period. 
• A one paragraph idea for a potential event.
• Names and contact information for three referees who can be contacted for letters of reference

For additional information about the position, please contact Laurent Dubois, Academic Director of the Karsh Institute of Democracy and John L. Nau III Bicentennial Professor of the History and Principles of Democracy, at lmd8s@virginia.edu. 

For questions about the application process, please contact Ashley Cochran, Senior Recruiter and Academic Recruitment Lead, at alc6dk@virginia.edu.

The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.  We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences.  We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.