All application materials must be submitted through Interfolio by January 7, 2026.
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
The Center for Japanese Studies at the University of Michigan is now accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Japanese Studies for the 2026–2027 academic year. This 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 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 1, 2026 and July 31, 2027, and will carry a salary of approximately $62,232 plus benefits as well as $3,000 in research funds.
This fellowship is for a one-year term with the possibility of a one-year extension, contingent on satisfactory participation in the program.
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 (2021 or later)
- The successful applicant must have their Ph.D. degree conferred by August 31, 2026
- 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 January 7, 2026 and will require the following items (only PDF and MS Word formats will be accepted):
- Letter of application
- Curriculum vitae
- Research statement outlining experience and current project(s)
- Please also address how your research fits or matches with current U-M faculty. Fellows are paired with a faculty mentor as part of the postdoctoral experience.
- Teaching statement outlining philosophy and mentorship
- Describe formal teaching, teaching assistantship, course development, and any mentorship with students on theses or other projects
- Teaching/course evaluations
- Title and description for two courses proposed to be taught at Michigan.
- Note: Please include a full syllabus for one of these courses. Since teaching assignments are decided early in 2026, successful candidates will hold one of these courses in Fall 2026.
- 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 employment opportunity employer.
