The Center for the Study of American Democracy at Kenyon College invites applications for a one-year residential postdoctoral fellowship for the academic year 2026-27, with a start date of August 2026. This fellowship will focus on classical liberal political and economic thought, including its implementation in contemporary liberal democracies. Candidates will be jointly appointed with an appropriate affiliate department of the Center, such as economics, history, political science, philosophy or sociology. To be considered for the position, candidates must demonstrate a strong research interest in classical liberal ideas and their impact in political regimes, both historical and contemporary.
We encourage applications from candidates holding Ph.D.’s with specialization in political history, political and social philosophy, political economy, American political thought, constitutional law, or similar fields. Fellows will advance their research agendas and teach one course per semester in an affiliate department of the Center, such as economics, history, political science, philosophy or sociology. Fellows will also assist with the activities of the Center, including participating in a research seminar, bringing speakers to campus, and helping to organize the Center’s contributions to the College’s pre-orientation programs and ongoing civic education efforts.
The Center for the Study of American Democracy will provide a competitive salary plus health benefits.
Candidates are expected to hold a Ph.D. at the time of appointment. To apply, candidates should visit the online application site found at http://careers.kenyon.edu. A complete application will be composed of 1) a one-page cover letter; 2) an 8-10 page writing sample; 3) a one-page course proposal for an undergraduate course in their area of expertise; 4) a Curriculum Vitae; 5) an unofficial transcript; and 6) two (2) letters of recommendations of which must directly address the applicant's teaching ability. All application materials must be submitted electronically through Kenyon's employment
Completed applications received by February 25, 2026 will be guaranteed full consideration. Review of applications will begin February 27, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.
Kenyon College is a nationally prominent, private liberal arts college where academic excellence goes hand in hand with a strong sense of community close relationships among students and professors.
To apply, candidates should visit the online application site found at http://careers.kenyon.edu. A complete application will be composed of 1) a cover letter discussing the applicant's research and scholarship undertaken, its relevance to the field or discipline, and prior teaching experience; 2) a statement of the applicant's teaching philosophy; 3) a Curriculum Vitae; 4) an unofficial transcript; and 5) three (3) letters of recommendation. All application materials must be submitted electronically through Kenyon's employment website.
Review of applications will begin February 27, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Completed applications received by the February 25, 2026 deadline will be guaranteed full consideration.
Kenyon College is a nationally prominent, private liberal arts college where academic excellence goes hand in hand with a strong sense of community and close relationships among students and professors.
Compensation and Benefits
Salaries at Kenyon are competitive and are commensurate with experience. There are a number of faculty development opportunities (e.g. travel, research funds, etc.) for which appointees are eligible.
In addition to an attractive salary, Kenyon offers benefits for employees and their family members. Children of employees are eligible for 100% tuition waivers at Kenyon, and through the Great Lakes Colleges Association, children of employees are eligible for 85% tuition waivers at fifteen other of the nation's finest liberal arts colleges.
We also offer health and dental insurance, TIAA retirement, and many other benefits, including provisions for a spouse, families, and domestic partners. Details about benefits as well as conditions of employment are described more fully in our Faculty Handbook.
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Kenyon College is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from all qualified individuals. It is the College's policy to evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical and/or mental disability, age, religion, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by institutional policy or state, local, or federal law. Kenyon College has a strong commitment to an inclusive environment that welcomes all voices and perspectives.