Job Details

Holman Fellow for African Health and Medicine Research

Position Number: 6494796
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Position Type: Medicine - Other Medicine

Holman Fellow for African Health and Medicine Research

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

Posted Job Title
Holman Fellow for African Health and Medicine Research

Job Profile Title
Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt

Job Description Summary
Holman Fellow for African Health and Medicine Research

Job Description

The University of Pennsylvania Libraries together with the Center for Africana Studies invites applications for the 2026 Holman Fellowship for African Health and Medicine Research.

As part of the Holman Africa Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania, the Penn Libraries is pleased to support visiting scholars from Africa through endowment funding from the Wayne and Wendy Holman Foundation. The fellowship supports researchers from African Institutions in the historical, anthropological, and social aspects of health and healing; potential areas of emphasis include: current African health conditions, public health leadership development, community engagement, maternal and child health, infectious diseases control, nutrition and food security, and environmental health.

The fellowship will also offer the researcher access to the extraordinary concentration of medical history libraries and special collections in Philadelphia - including the Penn Libraries, as well as those of the College of Physicians and the American Philosophical Society--with proximity to the National Library of Medicine in Bethesda and to New York City's research libraries and archives.

The program duration is for four months in the spring 2026 academic semester. The fellowship provides a stipend of $18,000 to cover the fellow's travel to and from Philadelphia, and living and research expenses during the fellowship's four-month period.

Appointed fellows will be expected to deliver a public lecture and to participate in a "Scholar for a Day" event with Penn students. Additional teaching and public outreach opportunities may be anticipated.

Finalists will be interviewed virtually.

Eligibility

The fellowship is open to researchers in the historical, anthropological and social aspects of health and healing in Africa from Africa institutions.

Application Process

To be considered, applicants must submit the following, attached to their applications, by Friday, September 12, 2025:

A 2-3-page summary of the project that clearly states a) how the fellowship will support African health and medicine research in your country, b) the project's significance to African Health and Medicine studies and to Penn's African studies community, and c) a work plan for the duration of the fellowship.

A curriculum vitae.

Two letters of support from scholars who can speak to the merits of the proposed project and the candidate's qualification for the fellowship. Letters may be included in the application or sent separately by the referee if preferred.

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
University Library

Pay Range
$7.25 - $28.12 Hourly Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements
A background check may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

Health and Life: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family's health and welfare.
Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

Please note that benefit eligibility is determined/based on ACA guidelines.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
To apply, visit https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/job/Van-Pelt-Library/Holman-Fellow-for-African-Health-and-Medicine-Research_JR00110561