The Richard Witten Postdoctoral Fellowship
in Israel and Jewish Studies at Columbia University

The Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies at Columbia University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Scholar specializing in the history and culture of Jews of North Africa and the Middle East. The salary for this fellowship will be $72,116. 

Applicants must have a Ph.D. granted between January 1, 2023, and June 30, 2027, and demonstrated ability to use Hebrew sources. The fellow is expected to be in residence from September 1, 2027, through May 31, 2028, teach one undergraduate course per semester, and give one public lecture during their fellowship period.

To apply, please email the following materials to iijs@columbia.edu by December 30, 2026: 

  • An application letter describing how you would use the fellowship year to advance your research (max. 5 pages)

  • Curriculum vitae

  • Writing sample (max. 20 pages)

  • Two proposed course descriptions, including one fully developed syllabus

  • If your Ph.D. has not yet been granted: a letter from your academic sponsor confirming that the Ph.D. will be granted no later than June 30, 2027

Please only submit the materials listed above.

In addition, two confidential letters of recommendation must be emailed separately to iijs@columbia.edu by the applicant’s referees by the deadline.

For more information, please email: iijs@columbia.edu.

Applications for the 2027–2028 academic year are due by December 30, 2026.


This fellowship has been made possible by the Richard Witten Postdoctoral Fellowship Fund at Columbia University.

Columbia University is an equal opportunity employer fully dedicated to achieving a diverse faculty and staff and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.

For more information about our programs, visit:
http://www.iijs.columbia.edu/