ACE Mellon Humanities Postdoctoral Fellowship: The Fallout of Fallout – Documenting and Contextualizing the Downwinders Experience in rural Nevada and Utah

During this one-year Fellowship program, one Mellon Humanities Fellow will research, document, contextualize, and interpret the first-hand experiences of area residents who lived through a decade (1951-1962) of above-ground nuclear tests that blanketed the region in radioactive fallout. The project gives voice to communities impacted by this first phase of the Cold War through recording and sharing of oral histories, while also analyzing what influence these events still have on the region decades later. By placing these events in the context of American history, the Fellow’s scholarship will enable the heritage areas to appropriately and accurately interpret the region’s significance in an important chapter of our history.

This opportunity is generously supported by a grant from the Mellon Foundation through American Conservation Experience (ACE).  

Employer: American Conservation Experience (ACE) 

Location: Eligible for remote/telework flexibility with significant travel for research and interviews in eastern Nevada and southwestern Utah. The Fellow is expected to reside within Great Basin National Heritage Area or Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area or along the I-15 corridor between Salt Lake City, UT and Las Vegas, NV. Cedar City, Utah (cedarcity.org) is the town most central to the study area. 

Term: Position is fully funded through August 31, 2026.

Start Date: Late August 2025, exact date negotiable.

Salary & Benefits:

Compensation: Annualized salary $70,304 for Year (40 hours/week for 52-weeks). Paid bi-weekly, a two-week pay period. 

Medical/Health Benefits: ACE offers competitive medical and ancillary plans (health, mental health, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, and other supplemental benefits). Fellows are also eligible to participate in ACE's 403b retirement plan, which includes a 1% employer contribution for participating, contributing staff.

Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time: As a Fellow, you will be eligible to accrue up to 80 hours of paid vacation time during your year of continuous employment. Additionally, ACE observes 13 paid annual holidays and provides 10 days (or 80 hours) of paid sick time annually.

Additional Benefits: Outdoor Perks - As an ACE Fellow, you will be eligible to receive pro deals which include deep discounts on outdoor gear providing 30 - 50% off retail prices on 100s of established outdoor gear brands.

To Apply: Please submit here: 1) a cover letter stating interest and vision for the fellowship (letters may include a summary of the dissertation, a statement of personal research interests and plans, discussion of past engagement with public humanities, discussion of willingness to participate fully in NHA research and education programs); 2) comprehensive curriculum vitae; 3) writing sample accessible to the general public; 4) confirmation of Ph.D. award by August 31, 2025; and 5) names and contact information for 3 professional references. 

Deadline to apply: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis but no later than July 21, 2025.