The Wolf Humanities Center at the University of Pennsylvania is inviting applications for its 2027–2028 Andrew W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowships, offering an opportunity for early-career humanities scholars to undertake research, teaching and interdisciplinary collaboration in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Five one-year fellowships will be awarded for the 2027–2028 academic year. The programme is designed for scholars whose research would benefit from an interdisciplinary intellectual environment and who can contribute to the academic life of the Wolf Humanities Center and the University of Pennsylvania. For 2027–2028, the Center’s annual interdisciplinary theme is “Empire.” Applicants are expected to develop research and teaching proposals that engage meaningfully with this theme. Fellowship Benefits Each Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship runs for 12 months, from July 1, 2027, to June 30, 2028. Successful fellows will receive a minimum stipend of $67,000, together with a $3,000 research fund. The fellowship also provides discounted single-coverage health insurance. Fellows will have access to the intellectual and professional activities of the Wolf Humanities Center and will be appointed a faculty mentor during the fellowship year. The fellowship combines research with teaching and academic engagement. Fellows teach one course in a humanities department or programme within Penn’s College of Arts and Sciences, normally during the spring semester and generally at the upper-undergraduate level. Fellowship Theme: Empire The 2027–2028 programme is organised around the interdisciplinary theme “Empire.” Applicants therefore need to demonstrate how their proposed research engages with relevant scholarly debates surrounding empire. The programme is intended to encourage intellectual exchange across disciplinary boundaries. Applicants with interdisciplinary projects are particularly encouraged, especially where their research can contribute to the broader intellectual community at Penn. In addition to their individual research, fellows participate in the Center’s weekly Mellon Research Seminar, held on Tuesdays from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Fellows also collaborate in planning a public symposium connected to the annual theme and take part in professional development workshops. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must have received, or expect to receive, a PhD or DPhil between May 2022 and December 2026. The stated eligibility period is strict, and the fellowship indicates that no exceptions will be made. The PhD or equivalent DPhil must be in the humanities or an allied field, such as anthropology or history of science. Other terminal degrees, including an MFA or EdD, are not eligible. Social scientists, scholars focused on educational curriculum development and performing artists are also excluded, although scholars whose research concerns performance may apply. The fellowship is open to both national and international scholars who meet the eligibility requirements. International scholars located outside North America would be appointed under a J-1 Research Scholar visa and must be able to meet the relevant visa conditions. Fellows are required to be in residence at the University of Pennsylvania for the fellowship term. Application Requirements Applications must be submitted through Interfolio by November 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Applicants must complete three required forms: the Applicant Profile, Equal Employment Opportunity form and “Where did you hear about this position?” form. Four documents must also be uploaded: Research Plan: Up to 1,000 words explaining the proposed research for the fellowship year and its contribution to scholarly debates about “Empire.” Course Proposal: No more than two pages, including course objectives, a selective reading list and one active or creative student assignment. Curriculum Vitae: A current academic CV. Writing Sample: Approximately 20–25 pages of published or unpublished scholarly work. Applicants must also request three confidential letters of recommendation through Interfolio. How to Apply Applications should be submitted through the official Interfolio application system before the deadline. Applicants are advised not to wait until the final hours because Interfolio may experience heavy upload and submission traffic close to the deadline. The application process provides applicants with access to a free Interfolio Dossier account through which application materials and confidential recommendation letters can be submitted. How to Strengthen the Application A strong application should demonstrate a clear connection between the proposed research and the “Empire” theme. The research plan should identify the project’s central scholarly questions, methodology and contribution to existing debates while remaining within the 1,000-word limit. The course proposal should demonstrate that the applicant can translate their research expertise into an engaging undergraduate learning experience. Applicants should also ensure that their writing sample represents their strongest scholarly work and complements the research proposed for the fellowship. Candidates should approach potential referees well in advance and provide them with sufficient information about the fellowship, research project and application deadline. Deadline and Location Application deadline: November 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern TimeFellowship period: July 1, 2027 – June 30, 2028Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USAStipend: Minimum $67,000Research fund: $3,000Fellowships available: FiveEligibility: PhD/DPhil received or expected between May 2022 and December 2026Theme: EmpireApplication platform: Interfolio Official Application Interested scholars should review the full fellowship requirements and submit all forms, documents and recommendation requests through the official application platform before the deadline. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.