Postdoctoral Fellow

The Doris Z. Stone Postdoctoral Fellowship aims to foster emerging scholars' professional development, enrich the dynamic research environment of the Middle American Research Institute (MARI), and promote intellectual exchange within the Institute's academic community. We are committed to supporting early-career scholars from diverse backgrounds, particularly those from historically or geographically underrepresented or Indigenous groups, who are conducting innovative anthropological research in Mesoamerica or Central America, regions where Doris Z. Stone made significant contributions in archaeology, anthropology, and linguistics.

Research Focus

This cycle's fellowship will focus on epigraphy. We seek a scholar whose research centers on deciphering, analyzing, and interpreting Maya hieroglyphic writing and/or other Mesoamerican writing systems. Applicants might work on topics such as:

• Maya hieroglyphic inscriptions and their historical, political, and archaeological contexts
• Iconography and the relationship between text and image
• Historical linguistics and the languages of the hieroglyphic corpus, including connections to living and historically-attested Mayan languages
• Scribal practice and the materiality of writing on monuments, ceramics, and other portable objects
• Digital and computational approaches to documenting, cataloging, and analyzing inscriptions

Applicants whose work integrates epigraphy with archaeology, linguistics, or art history are especially welcome, as is research that uses MARI's collections, archives, or library. A strong fieldwork component is also encouraged.

We also welcome candidates whose research aligns with MARI's broader mission to:

• Investigate the Indigenous history, languages, and cultures of Mesoamerica and Central America.
• Steward its archaeological and ethnological collections.
• Develop educational programs and events to inform the public about the region's Indigenous heritage.

Appointment

The Middle American Research Institute and the Stone Center for Latin American Studies invite applications for a one-year postdoctoral fellowship (renewable for a second year) for the 2027 to 2028 academic year. Fellows will be appointed within the Stone Center for Latin American Studies and housed at MARI. Selection will be based on intellectual merit, the potential impact of the applicant's research and teaching, and alignment with MARI's strategic goals. The ideal candidate's research should complement areas of strength within Tulane's faculty associated with the Institute.

This is a full-time, residential fellowship with a salary of $55,000 plus benefits, renewable for a second year based on performance and available funding. Travel and moving expenses are not covered.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit: curriculum vitae; a cover letter detailing research interests, teaching experience, administrative experience, and contributions to the Center's interdisciplinary mission; graduate transcript; two letters of recommendation; a writing sample; a proposal for teaching at least one course or seminar; and teaching evaluations (if available).

For more information about MARI, visit https://liberalarts.tulane.edu/mari. For details on the Doris Stone Postdoctoral Fellowship, contact Dr. Marcello A. Canuto, Director of MARI, at mcanuto@tulane.edu or 504-862-3104. The application deadline is March 1, 2027.

Tulane University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action/ADA employer, committed to diversity and excellence. All eligible candidates are encouraged to apply.

Fellows are expected to fully engage in the intellectual life of MARI and the Stone Center for Latin American Studies, offering an advanced interdisciplinary seminar during one semester each year, presenting their research at least once every two semesters, and advising undergraduate, Master's, and doctoral students.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must have either 1) received their Ph.D. no earlier than May 2022 and not currently hold a tenure-track position, or 2) expect to complete their Ph.D. by May 2027.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates who have not recently accessed Tulane University's resources and whose research would benefit from doing so. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong organizational and interpersonal skills, excellent written and oral communication, and an ability to collaborate effectively across multiple projects.