Wisconsin Exchange Pluralism Postdoctoral Fellows Program 2026-2028

The Pluralism Postdoctoral Fellows Program was created as part of the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Wisconsin Exchange: Pluralism in Practice initiative. The program is designed to cultivate a cohort of emerging scholars committed to advancing pluralism and civil discourse within higher education and across the broader society.  

We seek scholars who will do one or more of the following:

• Contribute intellectual diversity: pursue research and teaching activities that engage alternative perspectives, approaches or lines of inquiry or that otherwise expand the current breadth of discourse within or across disciplines at UW–Madison
• Examine pluralism and civic engagement: investigate how democratic practices and civic involvement function within diverse societies  
• Bridge differences: research how social, cultural, religious, or ideological differences can serve as catalysts for cooperation rather than conflict 
• Advance civil discourse: facilitate constructive engagement and the practice of dialogue across difference in academic and public spheres

Fellowship experience

The program is intended to support innovative research and transformative teaching, and to assist early-career scholars in developing professional leadership skills. Fellows will be expected to facilitate pluralism at UW–Madison and in the community through their research, teaching and administrative leadership. Each fellow will be embedded in a home academic department or program, ensuring close ties to a discipline, while building networks across UW–Madison and beyond. Fellows can expect to teach up to three courses (undergraduate or graduate) during the two-year program. Teaching opportunities will be determined in coordination with the academic department or program’s chair or director and the Wisconsin Exchange program. Fellows will also participate in cohort-based learning through Wisconsin Exchange workshops. Additional career development support will be provided by the UW–Madison Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. 

Awards will be for two years and will provide an annual salary of $85,000 with benefits (including health insurance). A research and professional development allowance up to $4,000 will be available. Up to six fellowships will be awarded.

Eligibility

Applicants must: 

• Hold a fully conferred PhD or other appropriate terminal degree from an accredited university prior to starting the fellowship
• Begin their postdoctoral position between August 17, 2026 and September 8, 2026

Application requirements

Application materials must be submitted as PDFs.

Cover letter (limited to 3 pages)

Explain how your intellectual and pedagogical commitments align with the Wisconsin Exchange vision. Summarize your relevant experience and describe your career goals.

Project description (limited to 5 pages)

Detail your research agenda and teaching interests and their specific relevance to the Wisconsin Exchange priorities of pluralism and civil discourse. Include a clear work plan and timeline for the two-year fellowship.

Curriculum Vitae (limited to 5 pages)

Focus on academic achievements, teaching experience and publications.

Three letters of recommendation

Letters should specifically address the applicant’s potential to contribute to the Wisconsin Exchange mission.

Review criteria and application

Applications will be evaluated on: 

1. Rigor, feasibility and potential impact of the proposed research and teaching activities
2. Direct relevance to Wisconsin Exchange goals of pluralism, viewpoint diversity and civil dialogue
3. Academic record with evidence of excellence in research and teaching 

Selection is contingent upon host departments’ capacity to provide mentorship and resources.