James Joo-Jin Kim Center for Korean StudiesThe James Joo-Jin Kim Center for Korean Studies at the University of Pennsylvania announces a Moon Family Postdoctoral Fellowship for the 2025–26 academic year. The postdoctoral fellowship is open to scholars from any discipline with a research and teaching focus on Korea.
The fellowship will cover the 12-month period between August 1, 2025 and July 31, 2026 and provide a stipend of $67,000 as well as conference travel funds up to $2,000. The postdoctoral fellow will also receive a shared office space and access to libraries and other resources at Penn. The fellowship may be renewed for a second year, based on satisfactory performance, the existence of funding, and programmatic need.
The fellow will be required to: 1) reside in the Philadelphia area; 2) teach one course per year including one undergraduate survey course on Korean history and culture, covering both modern and pre-modern periods in spring 2026; 3) give a public presentation for the Korean Studies Colloquium; 4) mentor the Kim Center graduate fellows; 5) participate in the Kim Center events and related activities at Penn; and 6) organize a Korean Studies Conference (either in Fall 2025 or in Spring 2026).
Eligibility
The applicant who is awarded the fellowship must complete all requirements for the Ph.D. degree (dissertation deposited) by July 31, 2025.
Application Requirements
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Cover Letter (including a description of research projects to be carried out during the fellowship, and teaching interests/experiences)
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CV
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Writing Sample (a published/publishable article or a dissertation chapter)
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One course syllabus (An undergraduate survey course on Korean history and culture, covering both modern and pre-modern periods)
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Two Letters of Recommendation (uploaded to the Interfolio directly by the recommenders)
Applications will be accepted only via Interfolio here: http://apply.interfolio.com/159311
The application must be submitted by 5 p.m. EST on Feb. 17, 2025. Award decisions will be made by early April 2025.
Our Center values interdisciplinary research, collaboration, and collegiality; is committed to promoting a culturally diverse intellectual community; and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, and underrepresented communities. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational or athletic programs, or other University-administered programs or in its employment practices. Questions or concerns about this should be directed to the Executive Director of the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Franklin Building, 3451 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6205; or (215) 898-6993 (Voice) or (215) 898-7803 (TDD).
Questions can be directed to:
Seok Lee, Associate Director of Academics
Email: seok2@sas.upenn.edu