Call for Applications
John D. Montgomery Post-Doctoral Fellowship
Theme: “Indigenous Development”
Pacific Basin Research Center
Soka University of America
2015-16 Academic Year

The Pacific Basin Research Center (PBRC) at Soka University of America, a premier Liberal Arts University in Orange County California, is pleased to announce a call for applications for the second annual John D. Montgomery Post-Doctoral Fellowship. The Fellowship is intended to support young scholars whose research emphasizes humanistic development in and connections among the peoples of the Pacific Basin. This year’s theme is Indigenous Development. We encourage applications from young scholars (within two years of defending their dissertation) interested in contemporary issues associated with development among indigenous peoples. While scholars often focus on the histories and cultures of indigenous peoples, there is a growing concern for the special challenges faced by the so-called Fourth World in terms of development. By development, we mean economic and political issues as well as specific areas such as health, education, transnational networks, land rights, and civil society. The geographical focus is open to scholars specializing in any area of the world, with priority given to those studying the countries of the Pacific Basin.

John D. Montgomery is known for his excellence in connecting academic and policy worlds to promote humanistic development around the world. As a Ford Foundation Professor at Harvard and the PBRC’s inaugural Director, Professor Montgomery published dozens of path-breaking studies on foreign aid, the environment, social capital, administrative reform, and much more. Reflecting Professor Montgomery’s outstanding contributions, the successful applicant will demonstrate distinction in research, teaching, and policy, as well as dedication towards an improved understanding of the Pacific Basin.

The successful applicant will receive a stipend of $45,000. The Fellow will be expected to teach one course in each of the fall and spring semesters (a 1-1 teaching load), consisting of a special topics course of their choosing in the Fall and an Introduction to the Pacific Basin in the Spring. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to the PBRC by organizing talks, connecting to students, and conducting independent research. Additionally, the post-doctoral scholar must produce a PBRC ‘Policy Brief’ paper on their area of interest.

Soka University of America is located in Aliso Viejo, southern Orange County. Opening its breathtaking campus in 2001, SUA has quickly joined the ranks of some of the best liberal arts campuses in the world.

The 2013 US News and World Report College Rankings placed Soka in the top fifty liberal arts institutions in the country (number seven on the west coast), placing #1 for faculty resources and foreign students, and within the top ten best value schools. Boasting an average class size of 13 students, a 1:8 student to teacher ratio, and a diverse student body, SUA is committed to helping students become global citizens.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, sample syllabus, and two references to Soka University of America’s Human Resources (jobs@soka.edu) by 30 April 2015. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Mastro, PBRC

Program Coordinator (mmastro@soka.edu).