Call for applications
International junior scholars-in-residence 2026-2027
The Polonsky Academy for Advanced Study in the Humanities and Social Sciences at the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute is the leading international post-doctoral program in Israel. Up to 30 Israeli and international Fellows form a vibrant community, conducting research independently or in collaboration with ongoing projects at the Institute, for up to four years. Fellows also have the opportunity to teach at leading Israeli universities.
The Polonsky Academy is now seeking to enhance valuable encounters between Fellows and international junior scholars. For academic year 2026-2027, the Polonsky Academy will grant short-term residencies (one or two semesters) to PhD candidates in the final stages of writing up their dissertations, post-doctoral researchers, or early-career untenured academics.
The scholars-in-residence will play an active part in the life of the Polonsky Academy, be physically present there at least three days a week, participate in the weekly seminars (including presenting their current research) and join thematic reading groups and collaborative research initiatives when aligned with their expertise. In turn, they will enjoy a nurturing and stimulating academic environment, a spacious private office, library services, and a stipend of up to $20,000 per semester (depending on academic rank)
The Polonsky Academy is part of and hosted at the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute. The Institute fosters innovative interdisciplinary research in the humanities and social sciences and develops new ways of addressing questions of global concern that have special import for Israeli society and the region. Research and public engagement at the Institute currently take place in four thematic clusters: Sacredness, Religion, and Secularization; the Challenge of Shared Life; Science, Technology, and Society; and Israel in the Middle East.
Interested international junior scholars should submit a bio/CV, a short description of their current research (up to two pages)and one letter of recommendation to Polonsky.scholarsinresidence@vanleer.org.il by June 15, 2026.