The Institute for the Study of the Ancient World (ISAW) is a center for advanced scholarly research and graduate education, which aims to encourage particularly the study of the economic, religious, political and cultural connections between ancient civilizations. In an effort to embrace a truly inclusive geographical scope while maintaining continuity and coherence, the Institute focuses on the shared and overlapping periods in the development of cultures and civilizations around the Mediterranean basin, and across central Asia to the Pacific Ocean. The approaches of anthropology, archaeology, geography, geology, history, economics, sociology, art history, digital humanities, and the history of science and technology are as integral to the enterprise as the study of texts, philosophy, and the analysis of artifacts.

ISAW is prepared to consider applications from postdoctoral scholars with their own funding from another source for appointments to be held during the 2025-26 academic year. ISAW does not provide any funding to Externally Funded Visiting Scholars. Applicants should secure their own funding from an outside fellowship organization or via sabbatical funding from their home institution.

Appointments can be for one semester (fall 2025 or spring 2026) or for the entire 2025-26 academic year. Externally Funded Visiting Scholars undertake research projects connected with ISAW's core academic mission. They are expected to be in residence at the Institute during the period for which they are appointed and to take part in the intellectual life of the community. In addition, they are expected to participate in ISAW seminars, to give a public lecture on their research at ISAW, and to play an active role in mentoring graduate students.

Scholars in this category do not receive any financial support from ISAW.

Applicants should be individuals of scholarly distinction or promise in any relevant field of ancient studies who will benefit from the stimulation of working in an environment with colleagues in other disciplines. Scholars with a history of interdisciplinary exchange and scholars whose academic interests include parts of the ancient Old World that are often underrepresented in traditional academic departments, including Africa, Central Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, are especially welcome and encouraged to apply.

Applicants should have their doctorates in hand by the beginning of their period of appointment at ISAW.