Love Ethic Postdoctoral Fellowship

Sponsored by a transformative grant from the John Templeton Foundation, the Notre Dame Institute Ethics and the Common Good (ECG) is seeking to support three postdoctoral fellows who are conducting ambitious research projects connected to the topic of love-based ethical frameworks. These fellows will join the institute from July 2026 through June 2028.

For futher explanation of this topic, including a list of potential research topics related to them, please see https://ethics.nd.edu/fellowships-and-grants/postdoctoral-fellowships-love-based-ethics/.

In addition to pursuing independent research on love-based ethics, postdoctoral fellows will contribute to the broader goals of the grant by collaborating with ECG staff to help organize two academic conferences focused on love-based ethical frameworks.

Postdoctoral Fellows receive $80,000 each year in salary, $1,000 each year in dedicated research funds, and Notre Dame benefits.

These postdoctoral fellowships are open to scholars who are conducting a serious research project related to love-based ethical frameworks. Applicants from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply, including—but not limited to—philosophy, theology, psychology, sociology, political science, law, literature, and the arts.

Note: This opportunity is only for postdocs working on love-based ethical frameworks. Postdocs working on faith-based approaches to artificial intelligence should apply for a one-year faculty fellowship.

These are intended to be two-year postdocs; Fellows are expected to be in residence at Notre Dame for the full fellowship period (July 2026 through June 2028).

Candidates should have completed all Ph.D. requirements by May 1, 2026 and be within five years of earning their degree.

We welcome applications from scholars who are based outside the U.S. We also welcome applications from scholars from a variety of faith and cultural traditions.

All Postdoctoral Fellows are expected to reside in the South Bend area and to remain in residence at the University of Notre Dame during the period of their fellowship (July 2026 through June 2028), except for vacation periods, holidays, and University breaks.

Postdocs are expected to be free of their regular commitments so they may devote themselves full time to the work outlined in their research proposal and participate fully in the community of scholars at the Institute.

In addition to pursuing independent research on love-based ethics, postdoctoral fellows will contribute to the broader goals of the grant by collaborating with ECG staff to help organize two academic conferences focused on love-based ethical frameworks.

Fellows are also expected to attend weekly seminars, present their research twice during these seminars, and attend ECG retreats, communications workshops, and other special events.

Postdoctoral Fellows may have the opportunity to teach one undergraduate course per year on a topic related to love-based-ethics. This arrangement is subject to departmental approval.

Applications for Postdoctoral Fellowships must be submitted through Interfolio and should include the following:

• Completed online application form
• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae (no more than four pages, single-spaced)
• Proposal abstract (no more than 400 words)
• Fellowship research proposal (no more than six pages double-spaced; research proposals may include a works-cited or bibliography page, which does not count toward the six-page limit). In the research proposal, applicants should provide an explanation of the project they intend to pursue at ECG, including:
  • How the proposed research aligns with the research theme and mission of the Institute
  • Preliminary objectives for the research to be conducted (i.e., whether the research might result in a book, journal article, art work, etc.)
  • The proposed work plan (including what research or work has already been accomplished, what will be done during the fellowship period, the methodology to be employed, and the organization of the scholarly project, book, or other work)
• Public-engagement proposal (no more than two pages, double-spaced). In the public-engagement proposal, applicants should explain how they plan to engage a public audience with their proposed research project (e.g., through a newspaper op-ed, public discussion, podcast episode, etc.).
• Two letters of reference. The letters should address the strength of the applicant’s proposed research project, its fit with the 2026-2027 research theme of love-based ethics, and the applicant’s collaborative potential and collegiality. (See FAQ page for common questions about letters of reference.)
• (Optional) Up to two pages of non-text materials supporting the research proposal

Proposals will be evaluated on the basis of their potential for research impact, fit with the theme, and fit with the Institute’s mission.

Finalists will be asked to be available for a brief Zoom conversation with committee members during the final stage of the selection process.