Postdoctoral & Post-MFA Arts Fellowships – Notre Dame USA

About the Fellowship

The Postdoctoral and Post-MFA Fellowships in the Arts (2026–2028) at the University of Notre Dame are prestigious, fully funded, two-year residencies designed to support emerging scholars and artists working across the visual, spatial, literary, and performing arts. Hosted by the Notre Dame Arts Initiative, the fellowship advances innovative research and creative practice while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across the humanities, sciences, engineering, architecture, and design. Fellows contribute to Notre Dame’s mission of research excellence, public engagement, and creative inquiry, with strong alignment to global conversations on social justice, sacred traditions, and the intersection of arts and technology. The programme offers a rare opportunity to develop an independent research or creative agenda within a world-class academic environment while actively engaging in teaching, public scholarship, and institutional life.

Fellowship Details

Position Title: Postdoctoral Fellow / Post-MFA Fellow in the Arts
Host Institution: University of Notre Dame
Administering Body / Funding Agency: Notre Dame Arts Initiative
Location: Indiana, United States
Research Field(s): Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Literary Arts, Spatial Arts, Architecture, Design, Interdisciplinary Arts
Fellowship Type: Full-time Postdoctoral and Post-MFA Fellowship
Level: Early-career
Fellowship Duration: 2 years (August 2026 – July 2028)
Expected Start Date: August 2026
Working Hours: Full-time, as per university norms
Funding / Compensation: USD 65,000 annual stipend plus benefits and USD 5,000 annual research and creative practice fund
Required Degree / Diploma: PhD, DFA, DMA, or MFA (awarded within the last five years)

Supported Research Fields / Areas:

Visual, literary, and performing arts
Architecture and spatial practice
Interdisciplinary arts research
Socially engaged and community-based creative practice
Sacred arts, ritual studies, and devotional cultures
Arts, design, science, and technology intersections

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD, DFA, DMA, or MFA in a relevant discipline
Degree awarded within the last five years
Established research agenda (for doctoral degree holders)
Established artistic practice (for MFA holders)

Preferred Qualifications:

Undergraduate-level teaching experience
Interest or experience in community engagement and public scholarship
Interdisciplinary research or creative practice experience

Not Eligible:

Applicants whose terminal degree was awarded more than five years ago

Fellowship / Job Benefits

Annual stipend: USD 65,000 for two years
Research and creative practice allowance: USD 5,000 per year
Full employee benefits package
Access to university research facilities, libraries, studios, and performance spaces
Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across colleges and research centres
Professional development and academic networking support

Key Responsibilities

Conduct independent research and/or creative practice aligned with the Arts Initiative priorities
Teach one undergraduate course per academic year fulfilling the Fine Arts and Literature Core Curriculum requirement
Deliver one public presentation of work during the second year
Participate actively in the intellectual, creative, and academic life of the University of Notre Dame
Maintain full-time residency at Notre Dame for the fellowship duration

Application Process

How to Apply:

Submit the complete application via the Interfolio online application system before the deadline.

Required Documents:

Cover letter
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Research or creative practice proposal (1–2 pages, single-spaced)
Undergraduate course proposal (1 page, single-spaced)
Writing sample (for postdoctoral applicants) or artist statement and digital portfolio (for Post-MFA applicants)
Three confidential letters of recommendation