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Postdoctoral Scholar - Native American and Indigenous Studies

Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY Posted Sep 25, 2026
On-site

About this role

Job Posting

The Center for Global Indigenous Cultures and Environmental Justice (CGIC), located on the ancestral homelands of the Onondaga Nation and within the broader Haudenosaunee Confederacy, invites applications for a one-year postdoctoral scholar appointment, offered in collaboration with the Native American and Indigenous Studies Program at Syracuse University.

The postdoctoral scholar will join a cross-campus network of faculty and graduate students—Indigenous and ally alike—whose research and teaching engage topics of importance to Indigenous peoples and who are affiliated with CGIC while housed in departments across the university. The scholar will take part fully in the life of the Center, a multidisciplinary hub for independent and collaborative research, education, and creative work, funded by the Mellon Foundation. The position carries a one-course teaching load with additional opportunities to guest lecture.

We are especially interested in candidates whose work engages Indigenous studies broadly conceived, including but not limited to Indigenous environmental justice; sovereignty and self-determination; land and water rights; Indigenous knowledge systems; and comparative or global Indigenous studies.

This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by a union, SEIU Local 200 United.

Qualifications

  • Required

  • PhD in Native American and Indigenous Studies, Anthropology, History, Literary Studies, Environmental Studies, or a related field, completed by the start date of the appointment

  • Demonstrated research focus on Indigenous studies, broadly defined

  • Evidence of teaching capacity or potential (course materials, syllabi, or teaching evaluations welcome but not required)

  • Preferred

  • Research and/or lived experience connecting to Indigenous peoples and environmental justice efforts

  • Experience or demonstrated interest in community-engaged or collaborative research methods with Indigenous nations or communities

  • Interest in interdisciplinary, feminist, and comparative/global approaches to Indigenous studies

  • Job Specific Qualifications

Responsibilities

  • The scholar will pursue an independent research agenda, teach one semester of an introductory Native American and Indigenous Studies course, and take an active role in the intellectual life of the center, including but not limited to participating in First Fridays and the Spring Symposium. This is a career-building position: the center is committed to supporting the scholar’s path toward a tenure-track or comparable academic or public-facing role and will provide structured mentorship toward that goal. Additionally, the postdoctoral scholar will engage in independent research and writing with the goal of producing a publishable manuscript (e.g., a journal article(s), book chapter(s), etc).

  • Physical Requirements

  • N/A

  • Tools/Equipment

  • N/A

  • About Syracuse University

  • Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

  • The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

  • About the Syracuse area

  • Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.

  • EEO Statement

  • Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.

  • Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans

  • Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.

  • Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community

  • Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.

  • Quick Link

  • https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/114548

  • Job Posting Date

  • 09/25/2026

  • Application Deadline

  • Open Until Filled

  • Yes

  • Priority Consideration

  • 10/15/2026

  • Job Category

  • Faculty

  • Message to Applicants

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