Post Doctoral Fellow

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

 

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

Job Description

BASIC FUNCTION

The Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Georgetown - Howard Center for Medical Humanities and Health Justice (MHHJ) is a full-time, residential fellowship designed to support emerging scholars engaged in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of medical humanities and health justice. Fellows will conduct independent research aligned with the Center’s mission and annual theme, contribute to public and peer-reviewed scholarship, teach one course, and actively participate in the Center’s programs. This position fosters professional development and community engagement while supporting research that addresses health justice issues in the Washington, DC region.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY

The postdoctoral fellow will not have direct supervisory responsibilities but is expected to contribute to the intellectual and research community at MHHJ by mentoring graduate students, collaborating with faculty and community partners, and organizing public-facing events.

NATURE AND SCOPE

The fellowship supports scholars in the humanities, humanistic social sciences, and creative arts whose work explores the intersections of health, medicine, and justice. The fellow will be an integral part of the Center’s research initiatives, working closely with faculty mentors and community partners. The position requires active participation in bi-weekly lab meetings, engagement in public scholarship, and the organization of at least one public-facing event. Fellows will also receive guidance on securing external funding to sustain their research beyond the fellowship term.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Conduct interdisciplinary research that aligns with the Center’s mission and annual theme.
• Produce at least one research output, such as a peer-reviewed article, public scholarship, digital project, oral history, or archival study.
• Teach one course in the medical humanities during the fellowship year.
• Attend and contribute to bi-weekly lab meetings and Center-sponsored events.
• Organize a public-facing workshop, conference, or similar event to disseminate research findings.
• Collaborate with other fellows, faculty, and community partners on research and programming initiatives.
• Seek external funding opportunities with the guidance of MHHJ mentors.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strong research skills with an interdisciplinary approach to medical humanities and health justice.
• Ability to produce high-quality scholarly and public-facing work.
• Experience or interest in teaching and curriculum development.
• Commitment to community engagement and public scholarship.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative research environment.
• Strong communication skills for engaging with academic and non-academic audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to organize events and contribute to a research community.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Doctoral degree in a relevant field (e.g., history of medicine, science and technology studies, literature, philosophy