About the Fellowship
The Polonsky Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship at The Van Leer Jerusalem Institute offers exceptional early-career scholars a unique opportunity to conduct independent and collaborative research in the humanities and social sciences. The programme supports innovative academic work that bridges disciplines, fosters intellectual diversity, and contributes to global conversations in critical thought and human understanding. Selected fellows will join an international community of researchers at one of Israel’s leading interdisciplinary institutes. This fully funded four-year fellowship provides a platform for developing significant publications, participating in seminars, and engaging with cutting-edge research across fields.
Fellowship Details
- Position Title: Polonsky Postdoctoral Fellow
- Host Institution: The Van Leer Jerusalem Institute – The Polonsky Academy for Advanced Study in the Humanities and Social Sciences
- Location: Jerusalem, Israel
- Research Field(s): Humanities and Social Sciences (all disciplines within these broad areas)
- Fellowship Type: Postdoctoral Fellowship (Full-time)
- Level: Early-career researchers
- Fellowship Duration: Up to four years
- Expected Start Date: 1 October 2026
- Working Hours: Full-time; in-residence requirement throughout the fellowship period
- Funding/Compensation: Annual stipend of USD $40,000 plus USD $2,000 per year for research and related expenses
- Required Degree/Diploma: Ph.D. in the humanities or social sciences, awarded on or after 1 October 2021 (or 1 October 2020 for applicants with children under age five)
Supported Research Fields / Areas
- Humanities (history, philosophy, literature, cultural studies, linguistics, etc.)
- Social Sciences (anthropology, sociology, political science, economics, etc.)
- Interdisciplinary studies bridging the humanities and sciences
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Ph.D. awarded on or after 1 October 2021 (or 1 October 2020 for eligible parents)
- Demonstrated potential for high-quality, original research
- Ability to reside in Jerusalem for the entire fellowship term
Preferred Qualifications:
- Published research or strong dissertation record
- Interdisciplinary academic engagement
- International research experience or collaboration record
Not Eligible:
- Candidates who received their Ph.D. before October 2020 (unless eligible for parental extension)
- Applicants unable to be physically present in Jerusalem for consecutive fellowship years
Fellowship / Job Benefits
- USD $40,000 annual stipend
- USD $2,000 annual research allowance
- Renewable annually based on research progress
- Participation in academic seminars and institutional activities
- Access to international scholarly community and resources
- Opportunities for collaboration and publication support
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct independent and collaborative research within chosen discipline
- Participate in academic workshops and interdisciplinary seminars
- Present research findings at internal and external conferences
- Contribute to the scholarly community of the Polonsky Academy
Application Process
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted online via the official Polonsky Academy portal in English, with all required documents uploaded as separate files.
Required Documents:
- Statement of research plans (3–5 pages, with title)
- Summary of previous research (3 pages)
- One single-authored published article or equivalent unpublished work
- Curriculum vitae with publication list
- Contact details for three referees (including phone numbers)
Important Dates
- Application Opens: November 2025
- Deadline: 20 December 2025
- Interview Period: 10–11 February 2026 (in person or via videoconference)
- Fellowship Start Date: 1 October 2026
Where to Apply
- Institution Website: The Van Leer Jerusalem Institute
- Official Fellowship Notification: click here
- Apply now: click here
Contact for Queries: polonsky@vanleer.org.il
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