Overview
The Senior Fellow Program is a 9-month virtual residency for established scholars whose work advances critical thinking on issues facing the Sikh Panth. Senior Fellows pursue independent research, mentor students in other Center fellowships, and contribute to the Center’s intellectual agenda.
Duration
September 1 – May 31 (full academic year)
Commitment
Flexible; approximately 5–10 hours per week
Compensation
Submit a budget with your application
Format
Virtual (no relocation required)
One cohort is selected per year.
What You'll Do
Research & Publication
- Pursue an independent research project aligned with the Center's program areas
- Produce scholarship suitable for publication: journal article, book chapter, policy brief, or book manuscript
- Present work-in-progress at Center seminars
Mentorship
- Advise undergraduate and graduate student researchers participating in Center fellowships
- Provide feedback on student projects and applications
- Help cultivate the next generation of Sikh scholars
Community
- Participate in monthly Senior Fellow convenings
- Contribute to Center publications, policy briefs, or public programming
- Shape the Center's intellectual direction
Eligibility
Required
- Ph.D. in Sikh Studies, Panjabi Literary Cultures, or a related field, OR
- Ph.D. in a discipline working at the intersection of Religion and Politics or Human Rights, with demonstrated expertise in Sikh-related research
- Publication record in your area of expertise
Ideal Candidates
- Working on research that addresses significant questions facing the Sikh Panth
- Committed to mentoring emerging scholars
- Able to contribute to the Center's mission of advancing rigorous scholarship and strategic foresight
Not Eligible
- Graduate students who have not yet completed their Ph.D.
Application Materials
Your application includes:
Research Proposal (500 words max)
Research question, significance, methodology, timeline, and expected outcomes
Statement of Purpose (500 words max)
How this fellowship fits your goals, what you bring to the community, and relevant experience
Curriculum Vitae
Education, positions, publications, and relevant activities
Writing Sample
Published article, book chapter, or dissertation chapter (25 pages max)
Two References
Contact information for two academic references (we will contact them directly)
Budget
Proposed compensation for your residency
Selection Criteria
- Scholarly excellence: quality of past work and proposed research
- Alignment with the Center's program areas and mission
- Potential to contribute to the intellectual community and mentor emerging scholars
- Feasibility of completing the proposed project within 9 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The fellowship is designed to be compatible with other professional responsibilities.
We welcome applications from scholars in adjacent fields (History, Political Science, Anthropology, Religious Studies, etc.) whose research substantively engages Sikh communities, texts, or issues.
Cohort size varies, typically 3–6 fellows per year.
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