Committee on Global Thought, Columbia University

[docanonymous]

Post-Doctoral Fellowship

Fellowship Search opens on August 15, 2010.

The post-doctoral fellowship of the Committee on Global Thought at Columbia University brings together an innovative group of interdisciplinary researchers from around the world. The Fellowship gives emerging scholars the opportunity to work with distinguished faculty and provides a space for collaborative research and publication. Global Thought encourages interdisciplinary, transnational research. Scholars from any discipline may apply, provided that they successfully indicate how their work will contribute to Global Thought’s research and teaching agenda. Up to three fellowship spots are available for the academic year beginning August 1, 2011.

The term of the fellowship is one calendar year, renewable for a second year based on demonstrated progress.

Requirements
Fellows are expected to:

* Teach one undergraduate or graduate course each semester. The course may be either of their own design or as specified by the Committee. When teaching, fellows are required to hold weekly office hours.
* Participate in planning and execution of research workshops, conferences, events and curricular initiatives.
* Present their individual research projects.

Eligibility
International applicants are encouraged to apply. If selected, Columbia University will sponsor the appropriate visa. Candidates will be considered only if:

* They received their first doctorate from a recognized university no earlier than August 1, 2005 (Those who have not completed their degree at the time of application must provide a statement from an adviser citing the expected date of completion.)
* They do not hold or have not held a tenure or tenure-track position.
* They can fluently speak, publish, and teach in English.
* They submit an original research proposal.

Benefits
Fellows will receive:

* An annual salary of $55,000, which includes health insurance and other standard benefits.
* Access to Columbia University libraries and computer resources.
* Shared office space.
* Eligibility for additional funding for special research projects.
* Eligibility to apply for campus housing.



Have your questions about the application process and fellowhip year answered here: cgt.columbia.edu/about/news/2009/08/28/post_doc_faqs/

[checking]

Is this postdoc actually happening this year?

[pretty sure]

Sure looks like it, given that the deadline is listed as October 29, 2010. I think they just recycled the call from last year, which explains some of the 2009 dates.

[Guest]

CGT notified candidates who made the short list on the 8th, apparently. Does anyone know whether CGT is emailing more such candidates? In other words, does CGT announce in stages? Or should those of us who didn't hear assume that we're basically in the reject pile?

[Guest]

Did anyone receive a rejection email?

[Me]

Hi Rumor Mill:
I received an email on Dec 8, letting me know I made the short list, that all my rec letters weren't in yet (gotta love that!), and more information would be sent out and interviews will be held around mid-January.

[yeahyeahyeah]

Not having heard anything from them, I called the CGT last week and asked if they'd made any decisions. They said that the committee was meeting and they hadn't decided anything yet. Were they sparing me an over-the-phone rejection? Or maybe they actually haven't yet contacted everyone they hope to interview?

[Guest]

When did you call? After the 8th? I emailed before the 8th and was told that (a) everyone would receive emails (with no clarification as to when) and (b) that until I'd learned of a rejection, I could assume my application was still under consideration. So now I'm wondering if, basically, they've contacted all of those who made the short-list (and thus will be considered for interviews, though not necessarily will be granted interviews), and then are waiting to send out rejection emails until after the interviews in January....?

[yeahyeahyeah]

I called after the 8th.

The optimist/naif in me thinks that maybe they only contacted people who are missing materials.

The pessimist/realist thinks they don't tell people either way over the phone; if we're lucky they'll send out rejection e-mails after the position is filled; if we're unlucky, we just won't hear anything at all.

[Guest]

It's a plausible theory, that they contacted only those with missing materials. Another is that thematic sub-committees are making the initial decisions, and that the short-list is not yet complete. But, yeah, we're probably safer to assume the worst. And if that's so, UGH. I hate that about academia. Why they can't just do the humane thing and update people promptly I'll never quite understand. Geez, they even charged us to apply!

[yeahyeahyeah]

did anyone receive further word about this?

[CGTHopeful]

I have heard zilch. I e-mailed to ask how things were going and if they've made any progress. On Jan 7 they responded that the committee was just now meeting and deciding on interview invitations, I still haven't heard either way though.

[CGT Update]

I got my polite rejection e-mail just now FYI.

[sad]

Yep, me too. Sad. Good Luck to all those sociologists still in the running.