POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATES PROGRAM – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

What is the Postdoctoral Associates Program in East Asian Studies at Yale University?
Inaugurated in the 1999-2000 academic year, the Postdoctoral Associates Program at the Council on East Asian Studies provides promising young scholars specializing in East Asia a year at Yale University in which they can prepare their dissertations for publication, pursue research projects, gain experience teaching advanced seminars to undergraduates, and utilize Yale’s resources.

Who is eligible for the position?
Preference will be given to individuals who have earned their Ph.D. between 2001 and June 15, 2009. Applicants MUST have their Ph.D. degree in hand by JUNE 15, 2009. People currently in tenure-track positions may apply.

How do I apply?
Visit our Application Information page for details.

When is the application deadline?
Friday, January 16, 2009

Are there interviews?
Interviews will be conducted by telephone.

What should I include in my cover letter?
Please explain why you are interested in the position and how your academic background and experience make you a strong candidate. Avoid rehashing information stated in your C.V. and elsewhere in your application materials.

What should I include in my course proposal?
A tentative syllabus and an explanation why you think this course will apply to East Asian Studies majors. The best proposals will cover more than a single cultural tradition and will give students a chance to do in-depth research, possibly using Chinese, Japanese, and Korean materials.

What format should I follow for the requested syllabus? How detailed should it be?
The standard format is fine. The more detailed, the better. More weight will be given to applicants who submit syllabi that cover more than one East Asian country or culture.

What kind of organization is the Council on East Asian Studies?
The Council on East Asian Studies (CEAS) is responsible for creating and implementing much of the academic programming related to East Asia on the Yale campus. CEAS runs two interdisciplinary degree programs; an undergraduate major leading to a B.A. degree and a terminal M.A. program that prepares students for continued professional or graduate studies in the field of East Asia. In addition to the degree programs, CEAS organizes and sponsors various activities such as a conferences, workshops, lectures, film series, and language tables in an effort to increase awareness and knowledge of East Asia in the Yale community and beyond. Furthermore, CEAS provides funding to undergraduate and graduate students for summer language study, summer travel and research in East Asia, and dissertation research. CEAS also strongly supports faculty research endeavors.

How many Postdoctoral Associate positions are available?
A maximum of three Postdoctoral Associates will be chosen in any given year (one specializing in Japan, China, and Korea respectively).

What is required of the Postdoctoral Associates during their tenure at Yale?
Teach one seminar course geared towards undergraduate East Asian Studies majors, prepare his/her dissertation for publication and/or begin a new research project, give a public talk on his/her most recent research, and attend Council functions including our Colloquium Series and various conferences and workshops.

Am I eligible to apply if I will not have my Ph.D. degree in hand by June 15, 2009?
NO

What is the salary for the position?
During the 2008-2009 academic year, the salary is $42,000.

What benefits do Postdoctoral Associates receive?
Moving and research stipends, health insurance (spouses and family included), library privileges, and office space.

When should I expect to hear if I am selected as a finalist?
Applicants should expect to hear a final decision by May 1, 2009 at the latest.

How will I be notified of my selection?
Successful applicants will be notified by phone and regular mail. Other candidates will be notified in writing about 2-3 months after the submission deadline.

If I am selected, do I have to sign a publishing contract with Yale Press?
No. Although CEAS encourages the Postdoctoral Associate to prepare his/her dissertation for publication, CEAS does not have a formal publishing agreement with Yale University Press. Postdoctoral Associates are free to enter publishing contracts for their dissertations and/or other manuscripts with any press.

Are there any fields that the selection committee will find more appealing than others?
Not really. The strength and promise of the candidate and the strength of the course proposal will serve as the major criteria for selection. Therefore, applications are welcome from all humanities and social science disciplines. Intercultural studies among East Asian cultures are encouraged.