All application materials must be submitted through Interfolio by December 18, 2024.
Please note that each position has a unique application link. 

For inquiries, please contact the Center at umcjs@umich.edu.

About

The Center for Japanese Studies (CJS) promotes and disseminates research on Japan, fosters communication among diverse disciplines, and encourages new approaches in the understanding of Japan and its place in the world.

Founded in 1947, CJS is the oldest interdisciplinary center in the United States devoted exclusively to Japanese Studies. CJS is also part of the University of Michigan's East Asia U.S. Department of Education Title VI National Resource Center, along with the Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies and the Nam Center for Korean Studies.

CJS serves as a home to undergraduate and graduate students, faculty from a variety of disciplines and professional schools, visiting artists and scholars, and community organizations pursuing Japan-related interests and activities at the University of Michigan.

Position Description

Each Postdoctoral Fellow will be expected to teach two courses over the academic year, as well as to participate in Center events and related activities at U-M.

  • The Modern Japanese History applicant’s research should focus on modern Japanese history.
  • The Japanese Studies applicant's research can cover any historical period of Japan—including contemporary Japan—and involve any academic discipline in the humanities and social sciences.

The fellowship will cover up to a 12-month period between August 25, 2025 and August 24, 2026, and will carry a salary of approximately $60,000 plus benefits as well as $3,000 in research funds.

Administrative Detail

During periods of your instructional appointment as a LEO Lecturer, your Research Fellow position will also be adjusted to ensure your total work effort does not exceed 100% effort; however, your salary for the LEO Lecturer appointment is separate and distinct from your Research Fellow salary and will be subject to the terms and conditions of the UM/LEO Collective Bargaining Agreement. The postdoctoral fellow will be provided with shared office space and access to libraries and resources at the University.

Qualifications

  • Applicants must have received their Ph.D. degree within five years of the postdoctoral appointment year (2020 or later).
  • The successful applicant must have their Ph.D. degree conferred by August 31, 2025.
  • Applicants are expected to have full command of the English language as University of Michigan classes, meetings, and business are conducted in English.

Desired

  • Experience teaching at a U.S. institution.

Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted through Interfolio by December 18, 2024 and will require the following items (only PDF and MS Word formats will be accepted). Please use the application links listed above to apply.

  • Letter of Application
  • CV
  • Research statement outlining experience and current project(s)
  • Teaching statement outlining courses taught in the past (with course evaluations)
  • Title and description for two courses proposed to be taught at Michigan. Please include a full syllabus for one of these courses. Please note: Since teaching assignments are decided early in 2025, successful candidates would hold one of these courses in Fall 2025. 
  • Writing sample (e.g. dissertation chapter, conference paper, journal article), not to exceed 40 pages
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.