Duke Kunshan University Chinese Language Global Fellow Program (Kunshan, Jiangsu, China)
Applications accepted on a rolling basis up to November 1, 2026. Review of applications will begin on October 15.
Duke Kunshan University (DKU) seeks promising young scholars of Chinese Language interested in contributing to the Chinese language instruction team at DKU. Successful candidates will join DKU faculty teams as visiting lecturers, delivering Chinese language instruction in DKU’s Language and Culture Center.
The DKU Global Fellows Program is designed to offer an international experience to post-doctoral scholars or advanced doctoral students whose records demonstrate excellence in teaching and an interest in pursuing an academic career DKU Global Fellows teach at Duke Kunshan University (DKU) for the Undergraduate Program.
Global Fellows receive a standard 2-year non-renewable appointment teaching the equivalent of 4 courses per year, although shorter appointments (8 weeks, one semester, or one year at the candidate’s discretion) are also possible. Assignment of classes will be determined by fellow-specific expertise and by DKU teaching needs. Fellows will be invited to participate in teaching-related professional development programs during their appointment.
The Fellowship is contingent upon successful receipt of the appropriate type of Chinese visa.
The award carries a $13,000 stipend ($17,000 for fellows who have completed their PhD) for two courses, a $1,500 allowance for costs related to research or course preparation, travel costs to/from China, health insurance, and a housing allowance.
Post-doctoral fellows or advanced doctoral students from all disciplines are invited to apply.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following core eligibility requirements:
Have recently completed a university doctoral program, or be a full-time student in good standing in a university doctoral program who has advanced to doctoral candidate (ABD) status at the time of application. Students who expect to complete their doctoral degree before the fellowship year begins are also welcome to apply.
Have completed between 5 and 7 years of doctoral study at the time of application.
Be able to participate in the fellowship for at least 7 weeks of the 2027–28 academic year.
Expect to devote themselves full time to their teaching and research during their time at DKU. Fellows may not undertake other teaching or research opportunities at DKU, Duke, or elsewhere during the fellowship period.
Required Qualifications
Doctoral degree (or advanced doctoral candidacy) in a relevant field such as Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language, Chinese Language Pedagogy, East Asian Studies, or a closely related discipline.
Prior Chinese language teaching experience at the university level.
Ability to communicate in English.
Preferred Qualifications
Ability to speak additional languages, including foreign languages such as Japanese, Spanish, French, Korean, and/or other varieties of Chinese such as Cantonese, Shanghainese, or Suzhounese.
Experience working with students and colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds.
NOTE FOR DUKE APPLICANTS ONLY: When applicable, the DKU Global Fellows Program replaces other graduate school stipend and scholarship funding a student may have been scheduled to receive for the fellowship year. Eligibility for other funding cannot be “banked” for use in a subsequent year, though this should not limit a department’s internal funding structure. Fellows who receive offers for other awards should contact the Graduate School to determine whether the two awards may be held concurrently. The DKU Fellowship will cover tuition fees at Duke University for a semester.
Selection Process
Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated excellence in teaching, a commitment to liberal arts education, and who have completed their dissertation or are close to completing their dissertation.
Fellow selection will be guided by the need, priorities and preferences for particular fields and courses expressed by DKU. The number and type of Fellows needed will vary somewhat from year to year.
Application Process
The Academic Jobs Online application software is used to submit applications.
You will be asked to upload the following documents:
A current curriculum vitae.
A cover letter outlining your teaching experience and interests; and long-term career goals.
Your university transcript (a copy of an unofficial transcripts issued to the student is acceptable).
A teaching statement, describing teaching goals, strategies, and/or philosophy.
A one-page summary of (a) all quantitative evaluation data for courses taught or TA’d and (b) the two most prominent positive and negative themes from the qualitative data.
A one-page outline of your dissertation, including completion status and timeline.
A letter of support from your Ph.D. advisor or postdoc supervisor describing your dissertation status and progress, and your fit with this fellowship program.
At least one faculty letter of recommendation assessing your teaching skills and scholarly promise.
Instructions: to apply, please visit https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/32550
Award Notifications
Applicants will be notified of award decisions by February 1, 2027,
Contact:Dr. Jinhua Li
Director of the Language and Culture Center (jinhua.li@dukekunshan.edu.cn)
