Institute Postdoctoral Fellowships

in Urban Science and Practice

at the University of Chicago

The Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation invites applications for Institute Postdoctoral Fellows for appointments starting on or after September 1, 2023. We are particularly interested in individuals committed to building a deep scientific understanding of cities and processes of urbanization, and researchers developing transformative methods and practices in urban contexts across disciplines. Learn more about our current fellows.

Fellowships at the Mansueto Institute are especially tailored to provide exceptional emergent scholars and practitioners with a unique nurturing environment that includes advanced technical training and provides a platform for interdisciplinary research. We search for approaches strongly grounded in theory and novel methods and data, rigorous comparative analysis of urban phenomena across space and time, and the analysis and theory development of the fundamental processes that create and sustain cities.

Appointments

Institute Postdoctoral Fellowships are full-time appointments typically for a maximum of two years with annual extensions by common agreement. Positions are structured between the Mansueto Institute and one of the University of Chicago’s Departments or Schools.

Appointments require commitment and supervision by a UChicago Faculty member and their Department or School at the University of Chicago.  With this in mind, applicants are encouraged – but not required – to contact an appropriate faculty mentor in advance of their application and request a letter of support.

Candidates who are unable to identify an appropriate school or department at the University of Chicago can still apply for the Fellowship; in these cases, the Mansueto Institute will work with the applicant to identify a potential faculty mentor. Learn more about our current fellows.

Fellowship Benefits and Expectations 

Institute fellows will enjoy:

• the freedom to pursue their own original research and projects;
• a discretionary budget for research expenses and relocation costs;
• interdisciplinary career development, mentorship and support;
• resources for organizing and hosting an annual working group on a theme of special strategic interest and potential in urban science and/or practice.

As part of their professional development, fellows are expected to:

• Actively interact and collaborate with other researchers, faculty and students at the University and beyond, preferably in multi-disciplinary teams;
• Giving at least two public talks, lectures, or performances on campus in the course of the academic year;
• Currently, full-time fellows will receive a yearly salary of $67,500/year, with benefits but less any deductions required by federal, state or University regulations.

Selection Criteria

Postdoctoral Fellowships are traditional academic appointments housed in the Institute as well as a Department or School.  These Fellowships require that applicants hold a PhD by the fellowship’s start date.

Fellows are encouraged to seek a letter of support from a UChicago faculty member.

Apply by completing the application form below, including submitting the following materials:

• a cover letter specifying the candidate’s specific interest in the Institute’s mission and their proposed academic Department or School at the University of Chicago;
• a 1-page research statement, specifying their intended work at the Institute and how it is expected to advance urban science and/or practice;
• an up-to-date c.v., including links to current work and projects;
• 3 letters of reference.
  • Letters of reference may also be submitted sent directly to ehlee@uchicago.edu.

All recommendation letters and application materials must be received by this deadline. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Applications for the 2023-2024 academic year are now closed. Applications for the 2024-2025 cohort will open in late summer 2023.

Please submit any questions to: ehlee@uchicago.edu.

All University departments and institutes are charged with building a faculty from a diversity of backgrounds and with diverse viewpoints; with cultivating an inclusive community that values freedom of expression; and with welcoming and supporting all their members.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.