Migration and Mobility Postdoctoral Fellow

Join The New School

At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to approximately 9,000 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, includingParsons School of Design and the College of Performing Arts (Mannes, Jazz, and Drama), Lang College and the New School for Social Research, and Parsons Paris. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward-thinking institutions in the world.

POSITION/ROLE OVERVIEW

TheZolberg Institute on Migration and Mobility at The New School is pleased to announce a one-year postdoctoral fellowship for the 2027–2028 academic year, with the possibility of renewal for a second year. This is an ideal opportunity for a recent Ph.D. graduate to join a leading New York City research and policy institute devoted to the study of migration and mobility in their broadest political, social, legal, historical, philosophical, economic, and global dimensions.

For this fellowship, ZIMM is particularly interested in candidates whose scholarship engages law and legal studies, broadly understood, and who bring legal questions into conversation with the study of migration and mobility. Relevant areas may include, but are not limited to, citizenship and nationality, borders and territoriality, migration governance, international law, human rights, constitutionalism, refugee and asylum law, colonialism and empire, race and inequality, international institutions, and global order.

CORE CAPABILITIES, PRIMARY DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• The fellowship is intended to provide an early-career scholar with substantial time to develop an independent research agenda while participating in the intellectual life of the Institute. The Fellow will pursue their own research, take part in ZIMM seminars, workshops, conferences, and public programming, and engage with scholars across The New School.
• The Fellow will be expected to teach Law and Social Change, a foundational undergraduate lecture course for The New School’s minor in Law and Social Change. The course introduces students to law from a critical and interdisciplinary perspective, treating law not as a narrowly technical field but as a central political and social institution that both structures and is shaped by the wider world. The course combines an introduction to the history and structure of legal systems with attention to law’s relationship to major social and political forces.
• Additional teaching would be limited and determined in consultation with the Fellow and relevant academic programs. The Fellow’s total teaching commitment will not exceed three courses over the two-year fellowship period, including Law and Social Change. 
• The appointment will begin July 1, 2027.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Applicants must have completed a PhD or equivalent research doctorate by the beginning of the appointment. 
• A strong research agenda relating to the study of migration and mobility in a broad sense, including but not limited to: global politics, citizenship and membership, borders and international order, displacement and mobility, international law, rights, and the institutions and political processes that shape movement across borders.
• Scholarly expertise in law or legal studies, demonstrated through research, teaching, publications, or doctoral training. 
• An interest in interdisciplinary scholarship and in engaging audiences beyond the candidate's primary academic discipline. 
• A commitment to participating actively in the intellectual and public-facing life of the Zolberg Institute.

WORK MODE

This position is primarily in-person and is based on campus to support effective in-person collaboration and engagement.

Hybrid work arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the role and operational needs. Any such arrangement must be discussed and approved in advance by the appropriate division lead or their designee. #LI-ONSITE

SALARY RANGE

$55,000 - $60,000 per annum

WHY JOIN US?

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader and contribute meaningfully to a forward-thinking institution that’s reshaping the future of higher education. You’ll be at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation in a role that grows with your impact.

BENEFITS AT THE NEW SCHOOL

The New School is committed to supporting the well-being and success of our faculty and staff. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their eligible dependents. Highlights include:

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Financial Wellness 

• Retirement plan administered by TIAA
• Qualified Transportation Expense Plan

Work-Life Balance

• Paid vacation and sick leave, with accruals starting on your first day
• Paid holidays and floating holidays
• Workmode & Telework Policy (if applicable)

Professional Growth

• Career advancement and professional development opportunities
• Access to university programs, lectures, and events featuring world-renowned speakers and organizations
• Tuition waiver benefit for eligible employees and dependents

Additional Perks

• Employee discounts with local vendors and service providers

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

To apply, please submit:

• A cover letter 
• An academic CV
• A writing sample (Max 40 pages)
• A research and teaching statement describing your research agenda and qualifications for teaching Law and Social Change. 
• Two confidential letters of recommendation. Applicants should arrange for their referees to send letters directly to [email protected]. Referees should use the subject line “Zolberg Postdoc Recommendation – [Applicant Full Name] 
• PRIORITY APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 15, 2026