Postdoctoral Fellow in Trans Studies

The Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies Program (GSWS) along with the Center for Research in Feminist, Queer, and Transgender Studies (FQT) invite applicants for a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Trans Studies, beginning August 1, 2026. This is a one-year position, with the possibility of a one-year extension, contingent upon funding and performance.  

We seek an interdisciplinary scholar and teacher with a demonstrated commitment to inclusive pedagogy and feminist, queer, and trans studies. We welcome expertise disability studies, black studies, trans of color critique or transnational/global approaches. The successful candidate’s scholarly work and teaching must engage with some portion of the broad academic mission of FQT/GSWS. Our intellectual community includes visiting scholars and artists in residence, graduate student associates, and faculty affiliates from across the university. The successful applicant will be expected to contribute to this community through attendance at/participation in our events, including invited lectures, pedagogy seminars, teach-ins, and works-in-progress. 

The postdoctoral fellow will have significant opportunities to develop skills as a teacher, scholar, and collaborator in FQT/GSWS public programming and to be mentored by staff and faculty: 

●      Teaching One to two courses will be required during the fellowship year, determined in part through program needs and the fellow’s expertise. 
●      Scholarly engagement through a Work-in-Progress presentation and possible support (contingent on budget constraints) to plan their own symposium event  

Application materials: Applications should include a cover letter, CV, research statement, writing sample of up to 40 pages, description of one proposed undergraduate course (approx. 300 words), and the names and contact information for 3 referees (letters to be requested for candidates who progress to a later stage of consideration). Consideration of applications will begin on January 15th, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. The postdoc will receive an annual salary of $66,300 plus benefits, and up to $3,000 for research expenses.  

Applications are due on December 15, 2025.

The School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania is committed to cultivating a vibrant community of students, scholars, researchers, and staff and to upholding the highest standards of academic excellence.  The School and The Center for Research in Feminist, Queer, and Transgender Studies and Program in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies strive to create working and learning environments that foster intellectual growth and encourage meaningful connections within our Penn academic community and beyond.

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.