Postdoctoral Fellowship: Critical Digital Literacy and Global South Communities

Open Call: Melton Institute for Digital Justice Postdoctoral Fellowship

Funder: Melton Institute for Digital Justice (independent research institute) Award Amount: $75,000 USD annual stipend + $15,000 research budget Duration: 24 months (renewable for third year) Host Location: Cambridge, UK (remote options available) Application Deadline: July 31, 2026

Fellowship Overview

The Melton Institute seeks two postdoctoral fellows to develop original research on digital literacy initiatives in underserved communities across Africa, South Asia, or Latin America. Fellows work in a collegial research environment with access to institutional resources, professional development opportunities, and a growing network of digital justice scholars globally.

Research Focus Areas

Applicants should propose research addressing one or more of:

• Community-based digital literacy program design, implementation, and evaluation
• Youth access to digital skills training in resource-limited settings
• Gender dimensions of digital inclusion and technological literacy
• Local knowledge systems and indigenous approaches to digital education
• Platform literacy and critical consumption of algorithmic media
• Documentation and preservation of endangered digital practices
• Collaborative research with community partners as co-researchers
• Policy recommendations grounded in empirical research

Eligibility

• PhD awarded within the past 5 years (by September 1, 2026)
• Disciplinary background in communication, media studies, education, anthropology, development studies, African studies, or related fields
• Demonstrated commitment to community-engaged research and Global South scholarship
• First or second postdoc position preferred, but consider all candidates
• International applicants welcome; visa support provided

Application Requirements

1. CV (3 pages maximum, including publications and research experience)
2. Research Proposal (3,000-4,000 words):
   • Research questions and significance
   • Methodology and research design
   • Community partnerships and ethical framework
   • Relevant literature review
   • Timeline and deliverables
3. Writing Sample (journal article or dissertation chapter, max 8,000 words)
4. Letters of Recommendation (3, one from PhD advisor)
5. Diversity Statement (500 words on how your background informs your scholarship)

Selection Criteria

• Quality and originality of proposed research
• Clear relevance to digital literacy and justice
• Evidence of community partnership and ethical commitment
• Potential for publication and policy impact
• Diversity of perspective and experience

Application Process

Submit all materials via the Melton Institute online portal at melton-institute.org/fellowships by 23:59 GMT on July 31, 2026. Interviews conducted September-October 2026. Decisions announced by November 15, 2026. Positions begin February 1, 2027.

Support & Outcomes

Fellows receive:

• Annual research allowance ($15,000) for travel, participant compensation, transcription, and materials
• Mentorship from senior researchers
• Co-working space and library access
• Participation in institute seminars and working groups
• Professional development support (conference presentation, workshop facilitation)
• Connections to global scholar network
• Support for publication and dissemination

Expected outcomes include 2-3 peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, community reports, and a capstone research presentation.

Contact

fellowships@melton-institute.org www.melton-institute.org/digital-justice-fellowship

The Melton Institute is an independent research organization dedicated to studying digital technologies, inequality, and social change. Learn more at melton-institute.org.