The Council on African Studies at the Whitney and Betty MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies at Yale University invites applications for its Visiting African Scholars Fellowship Program for the 2026-2027 academic year. This opportunity is open to academics holding full-time positions in African universities and is designed to promote first-rate Africa-focused research and teaching at Yale and on the continent. The successful candidates will teach one course on an African topic in any humanities or social science field in either the fall or spring semester while developing a research project. The recipients will also deliver a public lecture to the Yale community and participate in the intellectual and social life of the Council and the MacMillan Center. The fellowship comes with a generous stipend and research support, including access to Yale’s excellent library and other resources.
Qualifications
The Visiting African Scholars will be expected to be in full-time residence during the academic year beginning August 1, 2026. An earned doctorate in a relevant field and equivalent qualifications for research and teaching are expected for the successful candidates.
Application Process
Applicants should apply through Interfolio and must include the following:
1. Cover letter, including current e-mail address and name of Yale faculty member you would want to work with and why.
2. Current curriculum vitae, including publications.
3. A 1000-word description of the proposed research project.
4. Names and contact information for two references who can provide a letter of recommendation if shortlisted.
5. A summary of the proposed course with the schedule of readings and assignments
The deadline for applications is December 15, 2025. Please address questions to rita.offiaeli@yale.edu with “Visiting African Scholars” in the subject line.
Link to Apply: https://apply.interfolio.com/176504
Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Statement
The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives.
Additionally, in accordance with this Policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions; race; color; national or ethnic origin; religion; age; disability; protected veteran status, or other protected classes as set forth in federal and Connecticut law.
Professional Conduct Review for New Faculty Hires
The final candidate, upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment/faculty appointment, may be required to disclose whether they are, or have been, the subject of any disciplinary proceeding (investigation, hearing, etc.) at previous institutions or employers, and may also be subject to a background screening. Candidates who materially misrepresent information on their resume or other application materials are ineligible for hire/appointment. Final candidates may also be required to sign a release to allow Yale to solicit information regarding any substantiated conduct violations from current and/or past employers.
