The USC-Huntington Early Modern Studies Institute (EMSI) solicits applications for a Postdoctoral Position in Public Humanities to support our LA2026 programming, which is funded by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. LA2026 will bring together members of the public and humanities scholars for discussions related to exhibitions at partnering institutions: the Autry Museum of the American West; the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County; USC Special Collections and the USC Fisher Museum of Art; Mission San Gabriel Arcángel; The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. LA2026 events will promote discussions about national identities; relationships between regional and national narratives; the struggle for democracy, including for under-represented groups; climate change; and the nation’s uneven journey to an equitable and just society.

We are seeking a scholar who earned their Ph.D. since June 2020 in any field of the humanities or humanistic social sciences, preferably with expertise or interest in public history and the history and culture of California and the American West.

Applicants must apply via our APPLICATION PORTAL.

To apply:

  • Complete the fields in the application form in the application portal.
  • Add the names and email address of three recommenders who will be contacted separately to submit letters of recommendation.
  • Upload a Cover letter (not exceeding three pages).
  • Upload a Writing sample.
  • Upload a CV.
  • Upload a Graduate school transcript.

All documents must be in a pdf file format.

Applicants will be evaluated on their academic accomplishments, experience with public programming, the significance and intellectual merit of their scholarship, and their potential to contribute to the goals of the LA2026 project.

The postdoctoral fellowship term will be from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2027.
The annual salary will be $75,000, $5,000 in research development funds, and coverage of health and dental benefits.

The application deadline is January 31, 2025, at 11:59pm PT.

All letters of recommendation must be submitted no later than February 7, 2025, at 11:59pm PT.