Post Doc Research Fellow Jobs in Dance Studies

🎓 What is a Post Doc Research Fellow in Dance Studies?

A Post Doc Research Fellow, short for Postdoctoral Research Fellow, is an advanced academic role designed for recent PhD graduates to deepen their expertise through independent research projects. In Dance Studies, this position focuses on scholarly inquiry into dance as a cultural, historical, and performative phenomenon. Unlike permanent faculty roles, it serves as a bridge, typically lasting one to three years, funded by grants or university endowments. These fellows contribute to the field by exploring innovative topics, such as the intersection of dance with digital media or postcolonial choreographies, while building credentials for future careers. For a broader overview of the general Post Doc Research Fellow position, AcademicJobs.com offers detailed resources.

History and Evolution of Post Doc Roles in Dance Studies

Postdoctoral positions emerged in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States after World War II, as research universities expanded to support specialized training beyond the PhD. In Dance Studies, the field itself solidified in the 1960s and 1970s with dedicated programs at institutions like the University of California, Riverside, and New York University's Tisch School. Early Post Docs examined dance anthropology and notation systems, evolving today to include somatic practices—embodied movement theories—and global performance studies. This evolution reflects dance's shift from performance training to rigorous academic analysis, with fellows now tackling urgent issues like climate impacts on indigenous dances.

Roles and Responsibilities

Day-to-day duties vary by project but often include designing and executing research, analyzing archival footage or ethnographic data, and disseminating findings through peer-reviewed journals like Dance Research Journal. Post Doc Research Fellows in Dance Studies might collaborate on interdisciplinary grants, guest lecture in undergraduate courses, or curate performance workshops. For instance, a fellow at a European university could study contemporary African diasporic dance, producing publications and conference papers that influence global curricula. Success hinges on autonomy, with mentors providing guidance rather than direct supervision.

• Conduct original research aligned with departmental priorities
• Publish articles and present at events like the Congress on Research in Dance
• Secure small grants to fund extensions
• Mentor graduate students informally

Definitions

To ensure clarity, key terms in this context include:

• Somatic practices: Movement-based approaches emphasizing bodily awareness and kinesthetic learning, foundational in modern Dance Studies.
• Choreography: The art of designing dance sequences, often analyzed theoretically in research.
• Ethnography: Qualitative method of immersive cultural observation, applied to dance communities worldwide.
• Notation systems: Symbolic languages like Labanotation for documenting movement precisely.

Required Academic Qualifications, Research Focus, Experience, and Skills

Entry requires a PhD in Dance Studies, Performance Studies, Ethnomusicology, or a closely related discipline, conferred within the last five years. Research focus should align with the host institution, such as historical ballet reconstructions or queer theory in contemporary dance.

Preferred experience encompasses 2-3 peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and ideally prior teaching or grant success. For example, recipients of awards like the Mellon Dance Studies Fellowship stand out.

Essential skills and competencies include:

• Proficiency in qualitative and archival research methods
• Strong academic writing and grant proposal development
• Interdisciplinary collaboration, e.g., with anthropologists or digital humanists
• Performance analysis using video software
• Project management for multi-year studies

To excel, refine your application by following advice on postdoctoral success and crafting a standout academic CV.

Challenges, Opportunities, and Career Advancement

Challenges include funding precarity and intense publication pressure, but opportunities abound in growing areas like dance and technology. Post Docs often secure lecturer jobs next; data from the American Association of University Professors shows 40% transition to tenure-track within five years. Actionable steps: Network at international symposia, apply for extensions via national councils, and diversify skills in public humanities.

Summary

Post Doc Research Fellow jobs in Dance Studies offer a vital launchpad for impactful careers. Explore broader higher ed jobs, gain insights from higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or post openings via post a job on AcademicJobs.com. Also check research jobs and postdoc opportunities for more.