About the Fellowship
The Ludo and Rosane Rocher Postdoctoral Fellowship in Classical Indology is a highly prestigious, fully funded research and teaching fellowship aimed at early-career scholars and new PhD holders working in Classical Indology. Administered by the Rocher Foundation, the fellowship supports advanced humanistic research on premodern South Asian texts, languages, intellectual traditions, and material cultures. Fellows are hosted in residence at a recognised United States institution, where they engage in independent research, scholarly collaboration, and teaching. The programme is designed to help fellows revise their doctoral dissertations for publication or undertake a new post-dissertation research project, contributing meaningfully to global scholarship in Indology. With strong institutional integration, generous funding, and academic independence, this fellowship represents an exceptional opportunity to advance an international academic career in the humanities.
Fellowship Details
- Position Title: Ludo and Rosane Rocher Postdoctoral Fellow in Classical Indology
- Host Institution: A recognised university or research institution in the United States
- Administering Body / Funding Agency: Ludo and Rosane Rocher Foundation
- Location: United States (host institution dependent)
- Research Field(s): Classical Indology, Sanskrit Studies, Premodern South Asian Studies, Philology, Religious Studies, History of Ideas
- Fellowship Type: Fully funded Postdoctoral Research and Teaching Fellowship
- Level: Early-career (New PhD holders)
- Fellowship Duration: 2 years (24 months)
- Expected Start Date: Beginning of the host institution’s academic session (2026)
- Working Hours: As per the host institution’s academic norms
- Funding / Compensation:
- Minimum annual stipend of USD 65,000 (may increase to match host institution postdoctoral rates)
- Annual research fund up to USD 5,000
Supported Research Fields / Areas
- Classical Indology
- Sanskrit, Prakrits, Pali, and Premodern Dravidian Languages
- Premodern Indian Intellectual and Religious History
- Textual Studies and Philology
- South Asian Material and Visual Cultures
- History of Indology
- Persian and other languages connected to the Indian cultural spheres
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Completed PhD or equivalent degree (PhD/DPhil) in Classical Indology or a closely related field
- Degree awarded within five years before the fellowship start date
- All doctoral requirements, including dissertation defence, must be completed no later than 15 January 2026
Nationality or Residency Restrictions:
- Open to applicants of all nationalities
Experience Level:
- Early-career researchers and new PhD holders
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong research proposal aligned with Classical Indology
- Demonstrated ability to revise dissertation research for publication
- Teaching experience or readiness to teach at the university level
- Evidence of scholarly publications or conference participation
Not Eligible:
- Applicants who have previously held a faculty position at the proposed host institution
- Fellowships are conceived as faculty replacement, course relief, or succession roles
Fellowship Benefits
- Highly competitive annual stipend with institutional parity
- Dedicated research allowance for academic activities
- Health insurance support
- International travel coverage for relocation
- Access to office space, libraries, and academic resources
- Professional integration within a leading US academic institution
- Strong platform for publication, teaching, and international collaboration
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct independent postdoctoral research in Classical Indology
- Revise and prepare a doctoral dissertation for publication or pursue a new research project
- Teach one independent course per academic year
- Deliver at least one public lecture annually at the host institution
- Submit periodic research progress reports to the Rocher Foundation
- Acknowledge fellowship affiliation in all scholarly outputs
Application Process
How to Apply:
- Complete and submit the official online application form
- Propose and justify a suitable US host institution and academic mentor
- Ensure submission before the stated deadline
Required Documents:
- Completed application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research proposal or project statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Additional supporting documents, if requested
Important Dates
- Application Opens: Open until the deadline
- Application Deadline: 15 January 2026
- Results Notification: Around 1 April 2026
- Fellowship Start Date: 2026 academic session
Where to Apply
- Institution Website: Rocher Foundation
- Official Fellowship Notification: Rocher Foundation Fellowship
- Apply Online Here: Official application portal
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