Wolf Humanities Scholarship supports early-career humanities scholars through the Andrew W. Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowships; the Wolf Humanities Scholarship funds a one-year appointment with a minimum stipend, research funds, and health insurance for fellows engaged in research and teaching related to the Center’s annual topic.
The fellowship is offered by the Wolf Humanities Center at the University of Pennsylvania. The Center convenes interdisciplinary research around yearly themes (2027–2028 topic: Empire) and appoints fellows who teach, participate in seminars, and contribute to the Center’s intellectual life.
Wolf Humanities Scholarship Benefits
- Appointment is twelve months (July 1, 2027—June 30, 2028) and carries a minimum stipend of $67,000
- A $3000 research fund
- Discounted single-coverage health insurance
- During their appointment, Wolf Humanities Center’s Postdoctoral Fellows teach one course rostered in one or more of the humanities departments or programs in Penn’s College of Arts & Sciences
- Participate in the Center’s weekly Mellon Research Seminar (Tuesdays, 12:00–2:00)
- Fellows collaborate on the planning of a public symposium on the Center’s annual topic and participate in professional development workshops
- Fellows are appointed a faculty mentor
Wolf Humanities Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Scholars who received or will receive their PhD (or DPhil) between May 2022 and December 2026 are eligible to apply. No exceptions will be made.
- The PhD (and its international equivalent, such as the DPhil) is the only eligible terminal degree. The degree must be in the humanities or in allied fields, such as anthropology or history of science.
- Ineligible categories include an MFA or any other doctorate, such as EdD; social scientists; scholars in educational curriculum building; and performing artists (note: scholars of performance are eligible).
- Scholars who received or will receive their PhD from the University of Pennsylvania during our noted window of eligibility are welcome to apply.
- The fellowship is open to all scholars, national and international, who meet eligibility requirements. International scholars outside of North America are appointed under a J-1 visa (Research Scholar status).
- Fellows are required to be in residence for the term of the fellowship.
How to Apply for Wolf Humanities Scholarship
- All forms, documents, and letters must be submitted in Interfolio by end of day on November 1, 2026.
- Fill out the three required forms in Interfolio: Applicant Profile, Equal Employment Opportunity, Where did you hear about this position?
- Upload the four required documents in Interfolio: Research Plan, Course Proposal, C.V., Writing Sample.
- Research Plan: provide a detailed research plan for the year and describe how your project contributes to scholarly debates about ‘Empire.’ 1000 words maximum; word limit does not apply to bibliography or citations.
- Course Proposal: provide a proposal for a course related to the theme of ‘Empire.’ No longer than 2 pages and include course objectives, selective readings, and a description of one assignment.
- Writing Sample: provide a sample publication or unpublished paper of about 20–25 pages. Page limit does not apply to bibliography or citations.
- Submit requests for 3 confidential letters of recommendation in Interfolio.
- Note that Interfolio is overwhelmed by large numbers of uploads and submissions in the last minutes before an application deadline. Please plan accordingly.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Wolf Humanities Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply for the Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowships at the Wolf Humanities Center.
What is the duration and stipend of the fellowship?
The Wolf Humanities Center Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship appointment is twelve months (July 1, 2027—June 30, 2028) and carries a minimum stipend of $67,000, plus a $3,000 research fund and discounted single-coverage health insurance.
Who is eligible to apply for this fellowship?
Scholars who received or will receive their PhD (or DPhil) between May 2022 and December 2026 are eligible to apply. The PhD must be in the humanities or allied fields such as anthropology or history of science; other doctorates like EdD or MFAs are ineligible.
Are international applicants eligible and what visa is required?
The fellowship is open to national and international scholars. International scholars outside of North America are appointed under a J-1 visa (Research Scholar status). The Wolf Humanities Center may revoke an offer if the recipient cannot meet visa conditions.
What teaching responsibilities do fellows have?
During their appointment, fellows teach one course rostered in one or more humanities departments or programs in Penn’s College of Arts & Sciences. Postdoctoral Fellows typically teach one course in the Spring semester, usually at the upper undergraduate level.
What documents are required for the application?
Applicants must upload four required documents in Interfolio: a Research Plan (1000 words max), a Course Proposal (no longer than 2 pages), a C.V., and a Writing Sample (about 20–25 pages). Additionally, applicants must submit requests for three confidential letters of recommendation.
What should the research plan and course proposal include?
The Research Plan should detail the year’s project and how it contributes to scholarly debates about ‘Empire’ (1000 words maximum). The Course Proposal should describe course objectives, a selective list of readings, and one assignment, and should be no longer than two pages.
How and where do I submit my application?
All forms, documents, and letters must be submitted through Interfolio by the end of day on November 1, 2026. Applicants use Interfolio’s Faculty Search; applicants receive a free Dossier account and can send materials, including confidential letters, free of charge.
What is the application deadline and time zone?
The application deadline is November 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. All materials and confidential letters must be submitted in Interfolio by the end of that day.
Can applicants who obtained their PhD from Penn apply?
Yes. Scholars who received or will receive their PhD from the University of Pennsylvania during the noted eligibility window (May 2022–December 2026) are welcome to apply, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.
What opportunities for professional development are included?
Fellows participate in the Center’s weekly Mellon Research Seminar, collaborate on planning a public symposium on the annual topic, take part in professional development workshops, and are appointed a faculty mentor to support their research and teaching during the appointment.
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