New England HERC

The Department of Religious Studies at Wellesley College invites applications for a Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow in Religion in the Americas for a two-year term, to begin in Fall 2026. Possible areas of concentration include indigenous religious cultures, Christianities in the Americas (including but not limited to the United States), Black and Diasporic religions, and/or religious pluralism in the Americas. The position carries the expectation of competence in the relevant textual materials and languages. We welcome a variety of disciplinary and methodological engagements, but familiarity with forms of analysis in one or more of the following areas is preferred: gender and sexuality; ecology; literature, performance, and visual culture; philosophy and ethics; historical and social scientific approaches; or comparative approaches. The successful candidate will offer two courses in each year of the fellowship and deliver a public lecture related to their research in the second year. Postdoctoral Fellows are not expected to engage in first-year, major or minor advising, professional development, or service responsibilities.

Basic Qualifications:

Candidates who have earned PhDs within five years of the beginning of the appointment (i.e. July 2026) are eligible to apply.

Position Information:

• Teaching Load: 2 courses per year (one course per semester)

• Term of Appointment: 2026-28, without possibility of renewal

• Target Start Date: July 1, 2026

• Minimum Salary: $68,173  

Application Deadline: March 9 2026  

How to Apply:

To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, graduate transcripts, brief descriptions (two-three sentences each) of four courses that you might offer over the two years of the fellowship, and the names and email addresses of three referees, who may be asked to submit confidential letters of recommendation. Application materials should be submitted via https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/recruiting/wellesley/wellesley-faculty. Additional materials, including writing samples, teaching and research statements, and draft syllabuses may be requested at a later date.

This position is in a collective bargaining unit represented by Wellesley Organized Academic Workers – UAW (WOAW-UAW). To learn more please visit:  WOAW-UAW website and current Collective Bargaining Agreement .

Company Description and Benefits 

Wellesley’s mission is to provide an excellent liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. We advance our mission by working together as a community—faculty, students, staff, and alumnae.  For those roles that are half-time or greater, we offer a comprehensive array of benefits including health, dental, vision, life insurance, and a retirement savings plan. Benefits are governed by plan documents and eligibility provisions.

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About Wellesley College

About Wellesley College Founded on the radical belief that educating women leads to progress for everyone. Wellesley College has long championed intellectual rigor, diverse perspectives, and impactful leadership. For nearly 150 years, Wellesley graduates have been a powerful force for good in the world—pioneering scientists, environmental revolutionaries, U.S. secretaries of state, civil rights activists, investment trailblazers, network news producers, and genre-defying artists. We know from experience that the boldest ideas and the most enduring solutions emerge from a variety of voices, backgrounds, and experiences. Located on a stunning campus just 30 minutes outside of Boston, Wellesley College is one of the most academically challenging institutions of higher education in the country, and widely acknowledged as the top women’s college in the world. The College is dedicated to ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, physical ability, or any other identity. Our student body reflects this commitment, with the Class of 2028 consisting of 18% who are the first in their families to attend a four-year inst...itution, 55% coming from multilingual homes, and 54% identifying as domestic students of color. Wellesley actively seeks faculty and staff who share our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, we encourage candidates who resonate with these values to apply. Our vibrant academic community values rigorous inquiry, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and practical application. Wellesley’s acclaimed faculty are at the forefront of their fields and students are consistently challenged to reach their full potential. While we are the ones who so often become the “firsts”—but we are even prouder of the “nexts” our community makes way for. Wellesley College provides a robust array of benefits and resources for employees, including comprehensive health plans, wellness programs, continuing education, and competitive retirement plans. To learn more about the benefits of joining Wellesley, please visit wellesley.edu/hr/benefits.

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