Lightning Scholar (EXPIRED)

The Global Innovation Program at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perry World House invites applications for its 2022-2023 Lightning Scholars Program. This program brings untenured, but tenure-track, faculty at either the assistant or associate level from around the world to Philadelphia for a semester or year of writing, fellowship, and bridging the gap between academia and the policy world.

Since launching in 2016, Perry World House has catalyzed interdisciplinary and policy-relevant research by scholars at Penn and around the globe and convened conversations in Philadelphia on the most pressing global challenges. With fellowship and scholars programs, Perry World House has connected Penn’s students and faculty with the world’s leading academics and policy makers, infusing our research, teaching and, engagement with the ideas, wisdom and experience of those shaping world events.

This fellowship program allows untenured faculty members at leading research universities around the world to join Perry World House and the Penn community for a semester or full academic year in residence in Philadelphia to produce a major research project or book. While the fellowship program is for faculty working on global affairs topics, preference will be given to faculty working on subjects broadly related to our two research themes, The Future of the Global Order: Technology, Power and Governance and Global Shifts: Urbanization, Migration, and Climate Change.

The ideal candidates for this new program will be looking for an in-residence fellowship away from their home institution that will provide the space and support to write, but also the opportunity to collaborate with an interdisciplinary and vibrant community of global affairs scholars and practitioners. Perry World House is especially interested in faculty whose work connects to important global policy conversations and who will want to engage in dialogue with some of the many policymakers from around the world who visit Perry World House.

The program’s compensation is significant and negotiated on a case-by-case basis. The program is intended to allow the selected Lightning Scholar to take a comfortable leave from their home institution often by supporting the difference between a one semester sabbatical provided by the home institution and a full year leave. Although final compensation will depend on the circumstances of each applicant, the program will provide at least $50,000 as well as relevant fees and health insurance, if needed. The fellowship will also include $5,000 in research support, as well as the opportunity to help shape workshops and colloquia at Perry World House.

Applications, which should be submitted via Interfolio, are welcome from scholars who have either a Ph.D. or equivalent degrees (including a J.D.), are standing faculty members at a college or university, and are on the tenure track but still untenured. Applications for the 2022-2023 academic years will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting January 10, 2022.

Applicants must include a cover-letter, three-page proposal, CV, a letter of support from their home department/institution, and a confidential letter of recommendation. To receive full consideration, applications and letters of support should be received by that date.

To apply, please go to: http://apply.interfolio.com/98666.

General Information

The University of Pennsylvania is strongly committed to Penn’s Action Plan for Faculty Diversity and Excellence and to establishing a more diverse community at Penn (for more information see: http://www.upenn.edu/almanac/volumes/v58/n02/diversityplan.html).

The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational or athletic programs, or other University-administered programs or in its employment practices. Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to the Executive Director of the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs, Sansom Place East, 3600 Chestnut Street, Suite 228, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6106; or (215) 898-6993 (Voice) or (215) 898-7803 (TDD).

If you have questions, please email [email protected].