Graduate School - University of South Florida

The University of South Florida has embarked on an ambitious program to enhance its rising stature as a pre-eminent research university with state, national and global impact, and position itself for membership in the Association of American Universities through: (1) Expanding world-class interdisciplinary research, creative and scholarly endeavors; (2) promoting globally competitive programs in teaching and research; (3) expanding local and global engagement initiatives to strengthen sustainable and healthy communities; and (4) enhancing revenue through external support. Details are available in the USF Strategic Plan (http://www.ods.usf.edu/plans/strategic/).

As part of this initiative, the University of South Florida is pleased to announce the third year of its Postdoctoral Scholars program in the Social Sciences and Humanities. The over-arching theme for this year’s scholars is Global Change in a Dynamic World: Past, Present, & Future. Potential themes include (but are not limited to) sustainability and sustainable development; disaster management; population changes; technology and information issues; communication and language development; cultural diasporas; ethnicity, gender, and aging issues; cultural heritage and identity; health, economic, education, and environmental disparities; ethics; human rights; peace and conflict studies; injury and violence; security issues. Specific research and geographical areas are open, and applicants may consider both past and contemporary questions.

Postdoctoral Scholars will: (i) contribute to one or more of the priority goals of the strategic plan; (ii) work closely with distinguished faculty; (iii) participate in interdisciplinary and programmatic seminar series; (iv) teach one course each semester; and (v) continue to build an independent research record and engage in publishing refereed articles and creative scholarship.

Postdoctoral Scholars
Three postdoctoral scholarships will be awarded in the 2011-12 academic year with appointments beginning August 7th 2011. Appointments are for full time employment (40 hours per week) and will be continued for a maximum of 2 years contingent upon satisfactory performance. The salary is $40,000 per year and the University contributes to a health insurance program for postdoctoral scholars and their dependents (up to $5,000). Support for travel to academic conferences will also be available. Scholars will be responsible for relocation and housing expenses.

Eligibility
Applicants must have a doctoral degree in one of the following disciplines: Anthropology, Communication, Economics, English, Geography, Government and International Affairs, History, Philosophy, Sociology or an affiliated program, earned no earlier than 2008. Candidates who will have successfully defended their dissertations by May 1, 2011 will also be considered, however the doctoral degree must have been conferred prior to the first day of employment. Note: applicants must have received their doctoral degree from an institution other than the University of South Florida.

Application
Letters of application and supporting material must include the following:

1. A cover letter stating your interest in the Postdoctoral Scholarship. Provide details on (i) how your research and teaching expertise would contribute to the theme of Global Change in a Dynamic World: Past, Present, & Future and the goals and aspirations of the USF Strategic Plan; (ii) the department or departments with which you would like to be affiliated; (iii) teaching experience and courses that you would like to offer; and (iv) your long-term goals.

2. A curriculum vitae.

3. Two letters of reference.

4. Scanned copies of up to three of your published papers/scholarly works or book chapters (maximum of 3).

5. Scanned copies of current academic transcript from all degree awarding institutions.**

Send all application materials to: postdoc@grad.usf.edu

**Original transcripts will need to be mailed by those individuals who receive formal offers.

The University of South Florida is one of only three Florida public universities classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in the top tier of research universities (RU/VH), a distinction attained by only 2.2% of all U.S. universities. USF’s total for research awards topped $394 million. The university is authorized to provide 246 degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, specialist and doctoral levels, including the doctor of medicine. The University has a $1.6 billion annual budget, an annual economic impact of $3.2 billion, and serves more than 47,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee, and USF Polytechnic. USF is a member of the Big East Athletic Conference.

USF is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Equal Access employer.

Departmental Websites:

      •  Anthropology: http://anthropology.usf.edu

      •  Communication: http://communication.usf.edu

      •  Economics: http://www.coba.usf.edu/departments/economics/

      •  English: http://english.usf.edu

      •  Geography: http://www.cas.usf.edu/geography

      •  Government and International Affairs: http://gia.usf.edu/

      •  History: http://history.usf.edu

      •  Philosophy: http://philosophy.usf.edu/

      •  Sociology: http://sociology.usf.edu

Selection Criteria

1. Strength of research/creative scholarship record and demonstrated promise of a successful academic career.

2. Research and teaching experience in Global Change in a Dynamic World: Past, Present, & Future aligned with the goals of the USF Strategic Plan especially interdisciplinary inquiry, global initiatives, and community engagement.

3. Teaching experience and contributions that fit within USF programs.

KL/EA 10/14/10