Applications for the 2026-27 postdoctoral fellowships cycle will be accepted from September 1, 2025, until the submission deadline of January 16, 2026. Decisions will be announced no later than April 1, 2026. 

How to apply

• Prepare a pdf file containing the required elements listed in the “Application Elements” section below; name the file using this format: Lastname_Firstname_application.
• Complete the application form (available below) and follow instructions for uploading the pdf file. Your application will be considered for all postdoctoral fellowship opportunities for which you are eligible.
• Request two letters of recommendation; see guidelines below.
• If you have questions, need assistance, or need to resubmit, email fellowships@librarycompany.org.

Eligibility requirements

Scholars at any stage of their career are welcome to apply.

Applicants for postdoctoral fellowships may be citizens of any country and must hold a PhD by September 1 of the year of fellowship residency. While international applicants for this opportunity are welcome, the Library Company is not able to provide visa sponsorship, but we may be able to serve as a host institution with an outside agency serving as sponsor; in such instances, the fellow must bear the costs of sponsorship.

Application elements

Prepare a single PDF file containing the following elements; name the file using this convention: Lastname_Firstname_application:

• optional cover letter
• project abstract (ca. 150 words)
• narrative proposal (single-spaced, not to exceed 1,500 words), including an overview of your research and description of how Library Company collections (and, if relevant, Historical Society of Pennsylvania collections) will support your research
• brief CV (not to exceed four pages)
• writing sample (no more than 25 pages, not including end notes)

Letters of recommendation

Two letters of recommendation should be uploaded here directly by the writers. The applicant will receive an automatically generated email message confirming when a letter has been uploaded.

Questions

We are eager to receive your application and happy to help with any questions you may have. If you need to resubmit, have issues with the application portal, or have any questions, email fellowships@librarycompany.org.