Call for Applications: Advancing Future Faculty Diversity Postdoctoral Scholars Program

Applications open December 20, 2023 and close March 1, 2024

To build the Lehigh of the future, the  Advancing Future Faculty Diversity Postdoctoral Scholars Program seeks applications from outstanding scholars with diverse backgrounds and perspectives who plan to pursue a career in the professoriate. Following a successful postdoctoral experience, each scholar may be considered for an assistant professor position in the relevant department at Lehigh (or is expected to be competitive for positions at other institutions). We invite applications for the second cohort of Lehigh's Advancing Future Faculty Diversity Scholars to start as soon as Summer/Fall 2024.

This opportunity is aimed at prospective future faculty whose experience and plans for teaching, research and service are aligned with creating a more diverse and inclusive academic culture of excellence at Lehigh, or institutions like Lehigh. Other eligibility details can be found online in the "About the Program" section.

Scholars will join departments, programs, or research institutes committed to fostering robust, inclusive professional development conducive to preparing top talent for tenure track success. In that environment, scholars will be expected to develop strong research programs, contribute to Lehigh's educational mission, augment or complement existing strengths, and collaborate effectively with colleagues. In addition, scholars must be committed to the enhancement of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment in which world-class faculty, staff, and students can thrive to their full potential. We encourage applications from members of social identity groups historically underrepresented in the academy or their disciplines.

For the 2024 review, we seek applications in the following academic units, all of which are qualified hosts, especially for the areas described:

Applications will be reviewed as they are received until the deadline March 1, 2024 by relevant departments for ideal matching of support and career success.

Appointed Scholars will create individual future faculty development plans, participate in networked mentoring support, engage in professional development activities, and receive a flexible professional development fund of $10,000 per year as part of establishing an independent career. Positions are for one year, with the potential to renew for two or possibly three years total.

At Lehigh University, Postdoctoral Scholars are eligible for full staff employee salary and benefits, including access to medical, dental, and retirement plan contributions. 

Founded in 1865, Lehigh University has combined outstanding academic and learning opportunities with leadership in fostering innovative research. Recognized among the nation's highly ranked research universities, Lehigh offers a rigorous academic community for over 7,000 students and about 550 full-time faculty members. Lehigh University is located in Bethlehem, PA., a vibrant and historic area. Over 820,000 people live in the Lehigh Valley, which is in close proximity to New York City and Philadelphia.

Lehigh University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital or familial status, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. We are committed to the pursuit of the educational benefits of a diverse campus community. Lehigh University is committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse academic community and is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching and/or service, to this mission. Lehigh University is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE Institutional Transformation award to increase the representation and advancement of women in academic sciences and engineering (http://www.lehigh.edu/luadvance), and has been recognized for five consecutive years among institutions of higher education recognized for excellence in diversity with the INSIGHT into Diversity HEED Award. Lehigh Business also received INSIGHT Into Diversity Magazine’s 2023 Inspiring Programs in Business Award. Additional information about Lehigh’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is available at https://diversityandinclusion.lehigh.edu/. Lehigh University provides competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including domestic partner benefits.  More information about The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs can be found here https://postdoc.lehigh.edu/ and about Faculty Work/Life Balance can be found at https://provost.lehigh.edu/resources/worklife-balance. Lehigh University supports dual career efforts for following spouses/partners of newly hired faculty https://provost.lehigh.edu/resources/faculty-dual-career-assistance-program.

Starting salary is at least $65,000 per year; appointments include $10,000 funds for research and professional development per year, of which up to $2000 can be used for relocation (subject to tax).