[American Philosophical Society](https://www.amphilsoc.org)

October 2025 (Full application deadline)

$50,000/year for two years plus benefits, $5,000 research/travel fund, $750 relocation cost

Two-year residential postdoctoral fellowship for research and professional development in Indigenous collections care at Philadelphia-area institutions.

--- ## Description The American Philosophical Society (APS) offers a two-year, residential postdoctoral fellowship for scholars interested in advancing research and professional skills related to Native American and Indigenous collections in archives, libraries, and museums. Fellows are based at the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research (CNAIR) at the APS Library & Museum in Philadelphia. The program is designed for postdoctoral scholars who wish to pursue an independent research project while gaining hands-on training in collections care, community engagement, and best practices for working with Indigenous materials. The fellowship aims to: - Diversify scholars’ skillsets with training in collections care and engagement with Indigenous communities. - Expand institutional capacity for Indigenous studies in Philadelphia through collaborative, project-based work. - Foster a vibrant community of scholars and practitioners dedicated to Native American and Indigenous Studies. The first year emphasizes research and professional training at APS, while the second year embeds fellows in a local partner institution for project-based work, such as collections processing, public programming, or exhibition development. --- ## Due Dates - Anticipated deadline for full application: October 2025 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - $50,000 annual salary (for two years) - Benefits included - $5,000 research/travel fund - $750 relocation cost - Fellowship term: 24 months (cannot be held concurrently with other fellowships or grants) --- ## Eligibility - Open to postdoctoral scholars at any career stage, from anywhere in the world (no U.S. citizenship or residency required). - Doctoral degree must be completed by the start of the fellowship. - Applicants should have scholarly and/or personal experience with Indigenous topics or communities. - Visa sponsorship is not provided. - Applications from those with lived experience or sustained engagement with Indigenous communities (including as a community member) are especially encouraged. --- ## Application Process Applications are submitted online (typically via Interfolio). Required materials include: - Cover letter discussing prior work, career goals, and fellowship fit. - 2–3 page statement outlining: - Skills and experiences to be gained - Contributions to APS and the partner institution - Research project plan for the first year - Brief statement (max 1 page) on experience working with or within Indigenous communities. - Writing sample (maximum 25 double-spaced pages). - Curriculum Vitae (CV). - Two letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s interest and experience in Native American and Indigenous Studies, collections care, and career development. - For community-based projects, a statement of support from the relevant Indigenous community is strongly encouraged. --- ## Additional Information - Fellows are expected to participate in APS scholarly community activities, workshops, and networking events. - The first year: 80% independent research, 20% professional training. - The second year: 80% project-based work at a partner institution, 20% research. - Fellowship is residential; remote participation is not supported. --- ## External Links - [Fellowship Program Page](https://www.amphilsoc.org/grants/mellon-foundation-native-american-scholars-initiative-nasi-postdoctoral-career-pathways) - [Center for Native American and Indigenous Research (CNAIR)](https://www.amphilsoc.org/library/CNAIR) - [APS Research Fellowships Overview](https://www.amphilsoc.org/grants/fellowships) - [Apply Online (Interfolio)](http://apply.interfolio.com/151707) --- ## Contact Information | Topic/Program Area | Contact Name | Email | Phone | |------------------------------------------------------|----------------------|-------------------------------------|--------------| | Library & Museum Fellowships | Brenna Holland | bholland@amphilsoc.org | 215-440-3405 | | NASI & Indigenous Community Research Fellowships | Ruth Rouvier | rrouvier@amphilsoc.org | 215-440-3445 | | General APS Contact | APS Main Office | [Contact Form](https://www.amphilsoc.org/contact) | 215-440-3400 | ---

Mellon Foundation Native American Scholars Initiative (NASI) Postdoctoral Career Pathways Fellowship

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