SIMS Fellowships 2025 University of Pennsylvania USA

SIMS Fellowships 2025 University of Pennsylvania USA

The Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies (SIMS) at the University of Pennsylvania Libraries invites applications for its 2025-2026 Visiting Research Fellowship. This prestigious opportunity supports advanced research in premodern manuscript studies, providing access to Penn’s extensive collections and cutting-edge digital tools.

SIMS, established through the generosity of Lawrence J. Schoenberg and Barbara Brizdle Schoenberg, is a world-renowned hub for manuscript research and innovation. It integrates traditional scholarship with modern digital technology to preserve and explore the manuscript legacy.

SIMS houses a rich collection with a focus on the history of science and philosophy, and offers open-access tools and resources such as:

• Schoenberg Database of Manuscripts

• BASIRA

• VCEditor

• Digital Scriptorium Catalog

• OPenn

• Digital Mappa

Additionally, SIMS hosts the Schoenberg Symposium on Manuscript Studies in the Digital Age and publishes the Manuscript Studies Journal.

Program Details

• Level of Study: Fellowship (Postdoctoral or Independent Research)

• Field of Study: Manuscript Studies

• Duration: Minimum of 1 month (4 work weeks), between July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026

• Location: Research must be conducted on-site at SIMS, University of Pennsylvania

• Stipend: $5,000 per fellowship

• Number of Awards: Up to 3 fellowships available

Who Can Apply?

This fellowship is open to all nationalities. Applicants must:

• Live outside the greater Philadelphia area

• Hold a Ph.D. or equivalent professional degree by the start of the fellowship
  (If not yet awarded, include a confirmation letter from your advisor.)

• Demonstrate a strong connection between your research project and the Penn manuscript collections

• Be an independent scholar or affiliated academic researcher
  (Collaborative projects are also welcome)

Note: Projects that incorporate digital methodologies (e.g. handwriting recognition, AI, computer vision) are highly encouraged.

Benefits of the Fellowship

• Work with one of the world’s leading manuscript collections, including the Lawrence J. Schoenberg Collection

• Access advanced digital tools and research infrastructure

• Join a vibrant academic community in Philadelphia

• Present your work at Penn Libraries events

• Network with scholars and institutions, including potential collaboration with the British Library

Application Requirements

Submit the following documents by May 16, 2025:

1. Project Proposal (2–3 pages)
   Include your use of Penn’s resources, project goals, significance, timeline, and methodology

2. Curriculum Vitae

3. Two Letters of Recommendation

4. Cover Letter
   (Include interest in the ATBL Fellowship, if applicable)

How to Apply

Submit application materials as a single PDF via email or print:

Email to:
Lynn Ransom, Curator of Programs
[email protected]

Or mail to:
Schoenberg Institute for Manuscript Studies
University of Pennsylvania Libraries
3420 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Notification of results by May 31, 2025

Additional Info: Tax & Visa

• Fellowship stipends are subject to U.S. income tax

• Non-resident aliens may have 30% withheld but could recover through tax treaties

• J-1 visa likely required for international fellows (start early)

• Fellows must obtain a Social Security number while in the U.S.

Why Apply?

• Conduct meaningful research in a globally acclaimed manuscript collection

• Engage with pioneering digital manuscript tools

• Collaborate with top scholars and institutions

• Share your findings at an Ivy League university

• Expand your academic reach with potential international collaboration

Deadline: May 16, 2025
Take your manuscript research to the next level with the University of Pennsylvania SIMS Fellowship.

Apply Now