The School of International Service (SIS) at American University (AU) invites applications for two full-time, two-year Changemaker Postdoctoral Fellowships in International Studies. These positions are designed to support the development of early-career scholars who show promise of distinguished research careers. We especially encourage applications from individuals from sectors of the population historically underrepresented on the professorial faculties of

U.S. colleges and universities. The positions begin on August 1, 2025.

We welcome applicants who do dynamic, interdisciplinary research on pressing problems in the international realm and/or at the intersection of U.S. domestic and global contexts. Preference will be given to research topics that align with SIS’s mission of service to humanity. Candidates may teach one class per academic year, but are not required to do so.

Candidates should be enthusiastic about working in a multidisciplinary environment that includes political scientists, geographers, sociologists, anthropologists, economists, historians, and international relations scholars. Candidates should also share a commitment to the university’s diversity and inclusion plan. Preference will be given to applicants whose work is theoretically grounded, empirically tested, and policy relevant.

Applicants should hold a PhD or the highest equivalent degree in a social science discipline by the start date. Salary is competitive: $68,000 annual salary and up to $25,000 in research funds available over the two-year appointment.  Benefits are also competitive.

Review of applications will begin on 10/31/24 and will continue until the position is filled, subject to ongoing budgetary approval.

Applications must be submitted electronically via the Workday application system [https://american.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/AU/job/Main-Campus-Washington-DC/Changemaker-Postdoctoral-Fellowships_R1858]. Applications should include the following:    

• A cover letter detailing the applicant’s proposed research and identification of potential faculty mentors from the SIS faculty with whom the applicant could collaborate
• Curriculum vitae
• Sample publications
• A statement describing past examples of the applicant’s contributions to diversity and inclusion in their scholarship, the classroom, and/or in other professional settings
• Please note: Once the committee begins their detailed review of applications, shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit contact information for three references who the Workday system may contact for a confidential letter of recommendation.

Please note that the Workday application system can only accept five documents/attachments per application. If you have additional documents you’d like to submit, please email them to Alissa Iwaniuk (aiwaniuk@american.edu).

Queries about the search may be sent to Professor Joshua Rovner (jrovner@american.edu). Queries about the online application system may be sent to SIS faculty affairs manager Alissa Iwaniuk (aiwaniuk@american.edu).

American University is a private institution within easy reach of the many centers of government, business, research, and the arts located within the nation’s capital. For more information about American University, visit www.american.edu. American University's School of International Service (SIS) is a top-ten school of international affairs with more than 2,000 students, 115+ full-time faculty, and more than 20,000 alumni worldwide.  SIS faculty produce transformational research and our prime location provides opportunities for collaboration with professionals in government, the private sector, and think tanks and other non-profits. SIS has five interdisciplinary departments and a number of research centers, initiatives, and clusters. Learn more about SIS at www.american.edu/sis.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively “Protected Bases”) in its programs and activities.

American University is a tobacco and smoke free campus.

Hiring offers for this position are contingent on the successful completion of a background check.

Candidates should be enthusiastic about working in a multidisciplinary environment that includes political scientists, geographers, sociologists, anthropologists, economists, historians, and international relations scholars. Candidates should also share a commitment to the university’s diversity and inclusion plan. Preference will be given to applicants whose work is theoretically grounded, empirically tested, and policy relevant.

Applicants should hold a PhD or the highest equivalent degree in a social science discipline by the start date.