Postdoctoral Positions in Islamic/ate Art and in Multiple Fields

The Department of Art History and Archaeology at the University of Maryland College Park invites applications for a postdoctoral position in Islamic or Islamicate art and architecture (600-1500 CE).

We seek an active scholar with the potential to conduct cutting-edge research and innovative teaching in cultural heritage and the capacity to contribute to a collaborative project addressing repatriation. Candidates are invited to discuss their potential to engage the Roshan Institute for Persian Studies and/or UMD’s special programs in Persian and Arabic languages.

In addition, the Department invites applications for the President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (PPFP).

We seek eligible applicants with the potential to conduct cutting-edge research and innovative teaching in an area listed below that is among the top hiring priorities of the Department:

• Art and Archeology of Africa
• Ancient Meso- or South America
• Ancient Indian Ocean
• Medieval and/or Byzantine art
• Early Modern European art

We are particularly interested in scholars with research and teaching interests that complement the Department’s strengths in archaeology and cultural heritage, digital art history, the circulation of objects through trade or conquest, environmental humanities, and histories of race, representation, and colonial power. Oceanic perspectives will be given special consideration. Candidates are invited to discuss their potential to engage the rich cultural resources of the Washington, D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area in their research and teaching.

Successful Fellows will be appointed for a one-year term, with the expectation of renewal for a second one-year term contingent on review. Start date will depend upon the type of fellowship awarded. All Fellows will receive a starting stipend of $60,000, health benefits, and $10,000 for research. In addition, Fellows will have access to office space with computer, library access, and other privileges at the University. During the term of appointment, Fellows will be expected to teach one course per semester while working to pursue their research.

Highly experienced mentors will meet with Fellows regularly to provide guidance on developing a pedagogically sound teaching philosophy and to improve the skills needed to pursue an academic research career, including proposal and manuscript writing and technical presentation skills. Fellows will also participate in professional development opportunities offered by the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and the Office of Faculty Affairs.

Interested candidates should submit the following documents to hmmiller@umd.edu not later than October 1:

1. Cover Letter and names of three references
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Proposed Research Plan (2-3 pages)
4. Personal Statement that details your demonstrated commitment to diversity efforts and the mission of UMCP, and why you should be selected for this opportunity (1-2 pages)
5. Teaching Statement including course proposals (1-2 pages)

Eligible candidates will be invited to apply to the University’s Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship Program on the basis of scholarly promise and the potential to contribute to the diversity of the University of Maryland, College Park community. Applications for PPFP must be submitted via the online application portal by November 1. Applicants must have completed their doctoral degree when the term of appointment commences.

Please direct any further questions to Holly Miller at hmmiller@umd.edu

Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.

The Department of Art History and Archaeology is a community of students and scholars that focuses on visual, material and textual expressions as a means to understand culture. We critically engage with the reality of living in a world of images, working across a wide range of histories, perspectives and values. Our students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels learn from internationally recognized faculty experts in the field and engage with leading D.C. area arts institutions. Moreover, all students and faculty benefit from innovative technology and digital approaches through the Michelle Smith Collaboratory for Visual Culture.