Post-doc Amer Civil War Era
Job Description
The Virginia Center for Civil War Studies and the History Department of Virginia Tech invite applications for a two-year postdoctoral associate position in the history of the American Civil War era that will begin in July 2020. The successful applicant will benefit from professional mentoring, the opportunity to gain experience planning and participating in academic and public outreach activities, and access to the extensive Civil War era holdings of Virginia Tech’s Special Collections (http://spec.lib.vt.edu/). We welcome applications from those pursuing tenure-track positions and/or alt-ac career paths
RESPONSIBILITIES. The successful applicant will:
- be expected to make significant progress on a scholarly project that fits their career goals (ex.: book or article manuscript, digital project, museum exhibit, etc.).
- teach a total of three courses over two years in Virginia Tech’s History Department.
- organize, in conjunction with the Center Director, either an outreach project or an academic conference.
- contribute to the research activities and public outreach programs of the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies, participating in events such as the Civil War Weekend.
Required Qualifications
• Ph.D. in history or a related discipline with emphasis on any aspect of the Civil War era, broadly conceived. The Ph.D. must have been received by the time of appointment, and not more than three years prior to the date of appointment.
• Record demonstrating potential for excellence in research and teaching.
• Ability and willingness to work collaboratively with faculty, students, and members of the public.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Commitment to engage in a campus community working to grow an inclusive culture and practices while building diversity among faculty, staff, and students.
• Strong interest in, and commitment to, working with diverse populations.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with public engagement.
- Skills or interest in developing skills in digital history.
Salary Information
Salary of $50,000 per year plus benefits, as well as a contribution toward moving expenses. The successful applicant will also be eligible to apply for research and conference travel funds from the VCCWS and the History Department.
Review Date
February 28, 2020
Additional Information
APPLICATIONS. By February 28, 2020, applicants should upload the following to their application
- A cover letter explaining your interest in the position.
- A curriculum vitae.
- A proposal of no more than three double-spaced pages identifying the career path(s) you are pursuing or considering, proposing activities you will undertake during the two years, and explaining how those activities will advance your career goals as well as the goals of VCCWS. The proposed activities should include (1) a significant scholarly project (ex.: book or article manuscript, digital project, museum exhibit, etc.); and (2) either an academic conference that focuses on a specific theme of Civil War era history and has the potential to result in publication(s), or an outreach program (e.g. public symposium, documentary film, K-12 education initiative) that furthers the VCCWS’s objective of engaging wider audiences in Civil War era history Please include relevant details, such as required resources or potential keynote speakers, in your proposal. (Post under “Other Doc”).
- Contact information for two references, who will be invited to submit their letters of recommendation for shortlisted candidates.
The Virginia Center for Civil War Studies is housed in Virginia Tech’s History Department. The Center’s mission is to promote greater understanding of the American Civil War among professional historians, students, teachers, and the general public. For more information, go to http://www.civilwar.vt.edu/.
Questions about this position may be directed, through December 31, to Dr. Melanie Kiechle, Interim Director of the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies (mkiechle@vt.edu; 540/231-7523) and, after January 1, to Dr. Paul Quigley, Director of the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies (pquigley@vt.edu; 540/231-9090).
The successful Candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check
About Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is a public land-grant university, committed to teaching and learning, research, and outreach to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world. Building on its motto of Ut Prosim (that I may serve), Virginia Tech is dedicated to InclusiveVT—serving in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence. We seek candidates who adopt and practice the Principles of Community, which are fundamental to our on-going efforts to increase access and inclusion, and to create a community that nurtures learning and growth for all of its members. Virginia Tech actively seeks a broad spectrum of candidates to join our community in preparing leaders for the world.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation please contact the hiring department.