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 June 1, 2026. 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.

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.

Keep in mind that there are two application opportunities for those interested in the iSchool Postdoctoral Research Associate Program. There is a general call for applicants which occurs on an annual cycle each January. This year it is a targeted search. There are also off-cycle calls for grant-funded opportunities associated with specific faculty researchers. 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. Off-cycle opportunities are posted to iSchool jobs page, so please watch for those. Additional information about postdoctoral appointments is available through the Graduate College.

Guidelines

• The applicant must have completed requirements for their PhD prior to June 1. 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. 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.

The stipend for the 2026-2027 year is $65,000 (for a 12-month appointment) commensurate with experience and responsibilities and includes health benefits.