Call for Applications
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Jain Studies
About the Fellowship
The Department of Asian Studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem invites applications
for a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Jain Studies. The fellowship is designed to support an
outstanding early-career scholar pursuing independent research in any area of Jain Studies,
with a preference for Jain philosophy. The fellowship has been made possible through the
generous support of Kalpana, Haresh, Dhwani and Jeet Jogani.
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is one of the very few institutions where Jain Studies is
being developed at a sustained and serious academic level. This fellowship represents a
significant opportunity to contribute to and advance the field within a vibrant, internationally
connected department.
Duration and Start Date
The fellowship is initially awarded for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to
three years, subject to satisfactory progress and funding availability. The position begins in
October 2026. In exceptional cases, a delayed start in Spring 2027 may be considered.
Responsibilities
The Postdoctoral Fellow will:
• Conduct independent scholarly research in an area of their choosing within Jain
Studies, with a preference for Jain philosophy, under the academic supervision of Dr.
Dimitry Shevchenko. The fellow is expected to be resident in Jerusalem for the
duration of the fellowship and to regularly attend the campus.
• Publish academic articles in leading peer-reviewed journals and/or work toward the
completion of a scholarly monograph.
• Present research at international academic conferences and workshops.
• Contribute to the intellectual life of the Department of Asian Studies through
presentations at the departmental colloquium, participation in reading groups
(including Sanskrit or Prakrit reading groups for graduate students), and involvement
in department academic events.
• Contribute to the development of the Jain Studies program at the Hebrew University
by helping to conceive and organize academic events, workshops, and seminars, and
by actively engaging in the intellectual planning of the field’s growth at the institution.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
• Hold a PhD in Asian Studies, Religious Studies, South Asian Studies, Philosophy,
History, or a related field, with a focus on Jainism, awarded no more than five years
prior to the start of the fellowship.
• Demonstrate a strong research focus on Jainism.
• Show evidence of scholarly excellence and potential for significant contributions to
the field.
• Proficiency in Sanskrit and/or Prakrit is highly desirable.
Stipend
The fellow will receive a monthly stipend in accordance with Hebrew University postdoctoral
fellowship rates (up to 11,000 ILS per month). Office space and full access to the Hebrew
University library system, including its extensive digital resources, will be provided at the
Hebrew University’s Mount Scopus campus.
Application Materials
Interested candidates are requested to submit the following documents as a single PDF file:
• Cover letter outlining research interests, relevant skills, and motivation for applying.
• A research proposal (2–4 pages) describing the planned postdoctoral project within
the field of Jain Studies.
• Curriculum vitae (including a list of publications and language proficiencies).
• A writing sample: a published article, accepted paper, or dissertation chapter (no more
than 30 pages).
• Two letters of recommendation, to be sent directly by the referees to the address
below.
Application Timeline
Application deadline: July 31, 2026
Shortlisting and online interviews: August 2026
Fellowship start date: October 2026 (Spring 2027 start possible in exceptional cases)
How to Apply
Please submit all application materials electronically as a single PDF file to Dr. Dimitry
Shevchenko at: dimitry.shevchenko@mail.huji.ac.il
Questions about the fellowship may be directed to the same address. For more information
about the Department of Asian Studies and the Jogani Chair in Jain Studies, please visit:
https://en.asia.huji.ac.il/
