The Sakıp Sabancı Center Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 offers an exceptional, fully funded academic opportunity at Columbia University for early-career scholars specializing in Turkish Studies. This prestigious one-year fellowship supports innovative research, professional development, and scholarly engagement within one of the world’s leading research universities. Scholars will join Columbia’s vibrant intellectual community in New York City and contribute to the advancement of global Turkish Studies.
Key Dates & Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | Sakıp Sabancı Center Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026–2027 |
| Host Institution | Columbia University, New York |
| Field | Turkish Studies (Humanities & Social Sciences) |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded (salary + benefits) |
| Salary | USD 72,116 / year |
| Duration | 1 year (Sept 1, 2026 – Aug 31, 2027) |
| Eligibility | PhD after May 1, 2023 |
| Application Deadline | December 15, 2026 |
| Official Link | https://sipa.columbia.edu/academics/centers/sakip-sabanci-center |
| Application Portal | https://apply.interfolio.com/176852 |
Table of Contents
1. Overview of the Sakıp Sabancı Center Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026
The Sakıp Sabancı Center Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 at Columbia University is designed to support outstanding scholars who focus on Turkish Studies across any historical period or discipline within the humanities and social sciences.
The selected fellow will be part of an elite academic community and is expected to conduct independent research, participate in events, and organize a workshop or panel relevant to their field. This fellowship offers access to Columbia’s extensive academic resources, mentorship, and a world-class research environment in New York City.
The program aims to advance cutting-edge research in Ottoman, modern Turkish, and contemporary Türkiye-related scholarship.
2. Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a PhD in humanities or social sciences awarded after May 1, 2023
- Research must relate to Turkish Studies
- All doctoral requirements must be completed by April 1, 2026
- Dissertation conferral date no later than June 2026
- Applicants must reside in New York City for the fellowship period
- Candidates cannot hold another job, fellowship, or visiting position
- Fellowship cannot be deferred or renewed
Columbia University encourages applications from all eligible individuals and adheres to Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines.
3. Fellowship Responsibilities
The selected fellow is expected to:
- Conduct an original, innovative research project in Turkish Studies
- Reside in New York City for the entire academic year
- Participate actively in the Center’s seminars, workshops, and events
- Organize one workshop or research panel, with expenses covered by the Center
- Engage with Columbia faculty and students
- Contribute to building scholarly networks across Turkish Studies globally
4. Financial Support & Benefits
This fully funded appointment includes:
✔ Salary: USD 72,116 for the academic year
✔ Full benefits package (as per Columbia University policies)
✔ Office space at the Sakıp Sabancı Center
✔ Full access to Columbia Libraries and digital research resources
✔ Workshop funding (within budget limits)
Housing is not included — fellows must secure their own accommodation in New York City.
5. Required Application Documents
All documents must be submitted in English (except transcripts):
- Cover Letter (max 3 pages)
- Contextualize your research within your field
- Summarize dissertation findings
- Outline fellowship-year research plans
- Curriculum Vitae (max 5 pages)
- Writing Sample (publication or dissertation chapter)
- Graduate transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- If PhD not yet conferred, include supervisor confirmation of timeline
6. How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 — Prepare your documents
Ensure all materials follow page limits and language requirements.
Step 2 — Create an Interfolio account
Application portal (dofollow):
https://apply.interfolio.com/176852
Step 3 — Upload required documents
Interfolio allows free dossier submissions.
Step 4 — Submit before the deadline
Applications received by December 15, 2026 receive full consideration.
Step 5 — Shortlisting & Interviews
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to a video-conference interview.
Step 6 — Final Decision
Results announced: February 2026
7. About the Sakıp Sabancı Center
The Sakıp Sabancı Center for Turkish Studies, founded through the support of Sabancı University and Columbia University, promotes advanced academic research on Türkiye, the Ottoman Empire, and Turkish diaspora communities. The Center hosts conferences, lectures, workshops, and supports international scholars and students devoted to Turkish Studies.
More info (dofollow):
https://sipa.columbia.edu/academics/centers/sakip-sabanci-center
8. About Columbia University
Columbia University is an Ivy League institution located in New York City and ranked among the world’s top research universities. The fellowship places scholars at the heart of global academic discourse, offering unparalleled access to archives, libraries, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this fellowship renewable?
No, it is a one-year appointment and cannot be renewed.
Can I hold another fellowship during this program?
No, holding any other scholarship or employment is prohibited.
Do I need to live in New York City?
Yes, residence in NYC is mandatory.
Can I apply if my PhD will be conferred after June 2026?
No. Conferral must be no later than June 2026.
Does the fellowship cover housing?
No, housing costs must be covered by the fellow.
See more opportunities here:
fully-funded-opportunities-2026
Application Portal: https://apply.interfolio.com/176852
Center Website: https://sipa.columbia.edu/academics/centers/sakip-sabanci-center
