Postdoctoral Research Associate Program

The iSchool Postdoctoral Research Associate program seeks to enhance the impact of, and opportunities within, Information Sciences and related disciplines by actively mentoring scholars who have successfully completed their doctoral work by July 1, 2025. Candidates will seek to strengthen their research, scholarship, engagement, and teaching portfolios before moving into a professional career. Those preparing for tenure-stream assistant professor positions are encouraged to apply. Each postdoc is assigned to a faculty mentor, who will provide individual guidance and support.

Initial applications must include a CV, statement of interest, and an initial individual development plan. Mentoring plans are also required and will be developed in collaboration with a potential faculty mentor, either before or during the application process (See Application Process below).

In addition to developing their research agendas, iSchool-supported postdocs will demonstrate their teaching readiness by teaching one course per semester and they will serve on at least one service committee.

The School opens both a general call for applicants on an annual cycle each January and off-cycle calls for grant-funded opportunities associated with specific faculty researchers. Watch our jobs page for the latest opportunities. Additional information about postdoctoral appointments is available through the Graduate College.

Guidelines

• The applicant must have completed requirements for their Ph.D. prior to July 1, 2025. At Illinois, we expect that the degree will have been conferred within ten years of the starting date and that the appointment can last a maximum of five years.
• Postdocs are appointed for one year, starting August 16, 2025. Progress will be reviewed at the end of year one to determine if the candidate will be reappointed for a second year.
• Recipients must be in residence full-time for the duration of the award period.

Application

Applications are submitted through an online form. 

Stage I (due April 1, 2025)

• Current CV
• Statement of Interest that includes a description of how the candidates will increase the diversity and broader impact of Information Sciences or cognate discipline.
• A minimum of 4 existing courses that the candidate is interested in teaching that includes a brief description of related knowledge and experience. Our courses are available at:  https://ischool.illinois.edu/degrees-programs/courses
• Names of 1 - 3 potential iSchool faculty mentors
• Individual Development Plan

Stage II (ongoing)

Successful candidates from stage I will be partnered with an iSchool faculty to develop a mentoring plan

Review Criterion

• Research alignment with existing faculty in the iSchool
• Readiness to teach courses
   

Stipend

• The stipend for the 2025-2026 year is at least $62,000 (for a 12-month appointment) commensurate with experience and responsibilities and includes health benefits.
• An additional $2,000 is provided for research, travel, and related expenses.