Current Opportunities
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Oral History and Social Justice
Duke’s Center for Documentary Studies (CDS) and History Department invite applications for a two-year Bill and Lorna Chafe Postdoctoral Fellowship in Oral History and Social Justice, running July 2026–2028. CDS and the Department of History welcome applications from scholars no more than two years out from the receipt of the Ph.D. whose research is rooted in historical analysis, who engage with questions about social equity in both research and teaching, and who have strong grounding in the methods and practice of oral history.
The postdoc fellow will teach two courses a year, including an introduction to oral history and a project‑based oral history course ideally in partnership with a community organization, cultural institution, or history museum. The fellow will take part in the intellectual life of CDS and the history department and assist in the development of collaborative projects that link history and CDS and draw on the talents of Duke students, possibly including the summer History+ program. See the full call for applications and apply. Deadline: March 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time USA.
Doc+ Summer Program
Doc+ is an intensive six-week summer program open to all undergraduate students passionate about the documentary arts. The program offers students the opportunity to explore diverse mediums — such as photography, film, audio and oral history — while working in small teams under the mentorship of a creative project partner. Accepted students will receive a stipend of $3,500 for their participation or room and board in on-campus housing. Read about the projects this summer and apply here. Priority deadline: February 27, 2026. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions have been filled.
John Hope Franklin Student Documentary Awards
The John Hope Franklin Student Documentary Awards support undergraduate students conducting summer-long documentary fieldwork projects. Open to students at Duke, NCCU, NC State, and UNC–Chapel Hill, the awards recognize strong interest and skill in documentary practices such as oral history, photography, film or video, audio, and writing. Applicants must submit a two-page project proposal and a detailed budget. Find the full call for applications here. Deadline: February 27, 2026.
Full Frame Documentary Film Festival Duke Faculty Program
CDS invites Duke faculty to apply for a new program connected to the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, an annual international event celebrating nonfiction cinema in downtown Durham. A cohort of 12 faculty participants will attend festival screenings and take part in related gatherings to build community and explore ways to integrate documentary film into research and undergraduate teaching across disciplines. First-time festival attendees are especially encouraged to apply. All Duke faculty who regularly teach undergraduates are eligible. Selected participants will receive a Signature Pass, including 10 tickets to films or special events. See the full call for applications and apply. Deadline: February 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.
Teach the Teachers 2026
Are you a middle or high school teacher in Durham Public Schools? The Full Frame Documentary Film Festival invites you to apply for Teach the Teachers, an energizing program for educators interested in the power of documentary film. Selected participants receive a complimentary pass to the 28th annual festival (April 16–19, 2026) in downtown Durham. Explore thought-provoking films, engage in meaningful discussions and bring new perspectives back to the classroom! Apply here. Priority deadline: February 28, 2026.
Full Frame Fellows 2026
Become a fellow at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival and dive into one of the world’s leading documentary film festivals, right here in Durham. Open to all Duke undergraduates, this program offers four days of screenings, conversations with acclaimed filmmakers, and access to a vibrant documentary community. Fellows join private sessions with directors and producers, explore films new and old, and build connections that can shape future creative paths. It’s an immersive, energizing experience for anyone curious about documentary storytelling. See the full call for applications and apply here. Deadline: March 5, 2026.
Call for Proposals for Continuing Education Instructors
CDS invites proposals from instructors interested in teaching in our Continuing Education program. If you have expertise in a documentary-related field and a passion for teaching adult learners, we welcome your ideas for future courses and workshops. Help us continue to expand the reach of documentary expression by sharing your proposal using this form.
Please check back regularly for job postings, fellowship openings, calls for proposals, etc.