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Posted Job Title

Holman Fellowship for African Health and Medicine Research

Job Profile Title

Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt

Job Description Summary

Holman Fellowship for African Health and Medicine Research

Job Description

2027 Holman Fellowship for African Health and Medicine Research

The University of Pennsylvania Libraries invites applications for the 2027 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 endowment will support researchers from African Institutions in the historical, anthropology and social aspects of health and healing. The studies will allow the researcher to address health issues in Africa which would include understanding African Health Issues, Public health leadership development, Research on African health challenges, community engagement and cultural competency. Further areas of focus will include maternal and child health, mental 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 the College of Physicians and the American Philosophical Society--with proximity to the National Library of Medicine in Bethesda and New York City’s research libraries and archives.

The program duration is for four months in either the fall 2026 or Spring 2027 academic semester.  The fellowship provides funding for travel to and from Philadelphia and a stipend of $18,000 to cover 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 "A Day with a Scholar" 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 by 10/26/2026

• 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.

Taxation and Visas

If you are a non-resident alien in the U.S., tax in an amount of up to 30% may be withheld from your award.  However, if your country has a tax treaty with the United States, you may be eligible for certain tax benefits; for more information, click here. You may also be able to recover the taxes by filing a U.S. tax return.  See:  http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040nr.pdf and http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040nr.pdf . Fellows should consult with a tax professional in their country for further guidance.

Fellows will be required to obtain a J-1 Visa. Fellows needing a J-1 visa should consider the 3-month application process when planning dates. Fellows will also have to obtain a Social Security number from the local Social Security office during the period of residence. For information on how to apply, go to https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10096.pdf.

Applications should be sent by email to kayilo@upenn.edu, preferably as a single pdf, or by post to:

Mercy K Ayilo

Africana Studies Librarian

University of Pennsylvania Libraries

Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center

3420 Walnut Street

Philadelphia PA 19104-6206

t : 215-746-6396

email: kayilo@upenn.edu

Application materials must be received by 10/26/2026, to be considered. Please direct questions regarding the fellowship to the above contact.

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.