Call for Applications: Early-Career Visiting Scholar in Korean Studies

The Centre for East and South-East Asian Studies at Lund University is pleased to announce the launch of the NEST (Nordic–Lund Emerging Scholars Teaching Program in Korean Studies), generously supported by the Yang Won Sun Foundation.

The NEST program is designed to help early-career scholars gain teaching experience and networking opportunities in an international academic environment. It aims to support scholars in translating their research into teaching practice while engaging with students and faculty across the Nordic region.

Residency period: A three-week visit between late January and early March 2026 (exact dates to be agreed with the Centre).

Eligibility: Doctoral candidates in the final stages of their PhD (ABD in North America or final year in Europe) and recent PhD graduates (within five years of completion), conducting research on Korea and working broadly in the social sciences (including, but not limited to, anthropology, sociology, political science, international relations, gender studies, and history). Applicants currently enrolled in or graduated from universities worldwide are welcome to apply.

Expectations during the residency

• Contribute to the MA-level course “Contemporary Japanese and Korean Societies” by designing and leading three sessions:
  1. one class lecture offering a broader overview of their research topic;
  2. one public lecture presenting their ongoing research;
  3. one seminar with in-depth discussion with students.
• Visit one Nordic partner university (e.g., Oslo, Helsinki, Turku, Copenhagen, or Stockholm) to give a public lecture and expand your professional network.
• Participate in the Centre’s internal research seminars and engage informally with PhD students and faculty.

Financial support provided by Lund University

• Round-trip travel between the scholar’s home institution and Lund, as well as travel to one Nordic partner university;
• Accommodation in Lund and in one Nordic city;
• An honorarium for teaching.

Application materials

• Cover letter (2–3 pages) describing your research, reasons for applying, how the program would benefit you, and how you plan to structure your three sessions.
• CV, including nationality (for visa purposes) and the names and contact information of two referees.
• Writing sample related to your current research (to inform your teaching). The sample may be a published article or a chapter from your dissertation, typically 20–40 pages in length.

Deadline: 7 November 2025

Submission: Send all materials to youngeun [dot] koo [at] ace [dot] lu [dot] se (youngeun[dot]koo[at]ace[dot]lu[dot]se) with the subject line: Application for NEST – [Your Name].

Inquiries: Dr. Youngeun Koo (Assistant Professor) at the same address.

This program is generously sponsored by: