Future Faculty in the Physical Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowship

About the role

Princeton University invites applications for the Future Faculty in the Physical Sciences (FFPS) Fellowship. The fellowship seeks to attract a diverse cohort of early career scientists who will conduct research in physics, broadly defined, including astrophysics, biophysics, geophysics, and planetary physics, independently or in collaboration with Princeton faculty, postdoctoral researchers and students. The fellowship fosters research excellence by bringing together scholars with unique backgrounds and insights in physics and related fields. FFPS Fellows will have a primary home in the Department of Physics, Astrophysical Sciences, or Geosciences and will be part of an actively mentored research community across institutional affiliations, including the Princeton Center for Theoretical Science, the Center for the Physics of Biological Function, the Leinweber Forum for Theoretical Physics, and other centers and programs. The fellowship includes an annual research fund. The work location is in‑person on campus at Princeton University.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent or collaborative research in physics (astrophysics, biophysics, geophysics, planetary physics).
• Engage in teaching, advising, mentoring, advocacy, or public outreach activities that broaden participation in the physical sciences.
• Participate in the mentored research community and affiliated centers/programs.

Requirements

• A PhD in the physical sciences or a related field.

Qualifications

• Early‑career scientist background.
• Interest or expertise in one of the relevant divisions: Geochemistry, Mineralogy, Petrology & Volcanology (GMPV), Geodesy (G), Planetary and Solar System Sciences (PS).

Skills

• Research abilities in physics and related fields.
• Teaching, mentoring, advising, advocacy, or public outreach experience.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and centers.

Benefits

• Annual research fund.
• Access to an actively mentored research community and affiliated centers/programs.
• Primary appointment in Physics, Astrophysical Sciences, or Geosciences.

Pay

• Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA): $73,000 USD – $75,000 USD per year.
• Associate Research Scholar (ARS): $75,000 USD – $83,000 USD per year.

Schedule

• Full‑time, in‑person position on Princeton University campus.
• Expected start date: September 1, 2027 (flexible).
• Appointments: Postdoctoral – 1‑year renewable up to 3 years total; Associate Research Scholar – 3‑year term.