Post-Doc Job Description & Application Details
Postdoctoral Research Position in the History of the American West
The Huntington-USC Institute on California and the West (www.usc.edu/icw) is seeking applications for a one-year postdoctoral research position in the history of the American West. The Institute has a particular interest in the history of public lands across the West related to ecology, political economy, preservation and conservation, struggles over access, use, and stewardship, among other themes. The successful candidate will pursue their own research and will also assist the Institute in programming related to this topic, as well as perform other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time. The fixed-term position runs from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. Candidates must have a completed Ph.D. in hand by June 30, 2026. Salaried compensation for this position is $75,000, plus benefits.
USC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring ordinance. We provide reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
The Huntington-USC Institute on California and the West is part of the USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. USC Dornsife functions as the academic core of the university, offering courses and advancing knowledge across the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences.
When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
To apply, please send a cover letter, c.v., writing sample (not more than @20 pp.), and the names of three referees to Dr. Eryn Hoffman, Operations Director, ICW at erynhoff@usc.edu by March 31st, 2026.