Postdoctoral Research Associate, PIIRS Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

Posted on 30 July 2026. Applications open until 15 September 2026 (11:59 p.m. EST). Start date: 01 September 2027.

About the role

The Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS) at Princeton University invites applications for up to four Postdoctoral Fellowships for the 2027-28 academic year. As a leading global institution in interdisciplinary research on international issues, PIIRS is dedicated to advancing innovative scholarship that addresses the world's most pressing challenges. The PIIRS Postdoctoral Fellows Program supports recent PhDs in the Social Sciences whose work aligns with the Institute's intellectual focus.

Appointments are made at the rank of Postdoctoral Research Associate for one year (12 months), with the possibility of renewal pending satisfactory performance and continued funding. Fellows are expected to be in residence at Princeton or the local vicinity for the entire academic year, with a requirement to be on campus at least four days per week.

Responsibilities

• Focus on research and prepare work for publication.
• Attend biweekly meetings with the faculty director to share work-in-progress.
• Participate in monthly meetings with faculty fellows from various social sciences to present research and engage in interdisciplinary dialogue.
• Engage with colleagues and attend departmental seminars.
• Contribute to the intellectual life of the postdoctoral program and connect with other PIIRS and Princeton departments.

Requirements

• Recent PhD in the Social Sciences (applicants generally cannot have more than two years of postdoctoral experience prior to the start of the appointment).
• Demonstrated exceptional scholarship congruent with PIIRS’s interdisciplinary focus, advancing theoretical debates in the disciplinary field while engaging a multidisciplinary audience and deepening regional knowledge.
• Ability to be in residence at Princeton or the local vicinity for the academic year, with on-campus presence at least four days per week.
• Completion of all PhD requirements by the fellowship start date (01 September 2027).

Application materials

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Transcripts
• Research Proposal (maximum 5 pages double-spaced) outlining plans for the two-year postdoc
• Dissertation abstract (including Table of Contents)
• Writing sample: one chapter of the dissertation or one published article related to the dissertation topic
• Document confirming PhD completion or a letter from the dissertation advisor indicating completion by the start date
• Names and email addresses of three referees (letters of recommendation must be submitted by the application deadline)

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Opportunity to host a small, pre-publication book workshop
• Annual research fund of $4,000
• Shared office space
• Laptop computer

Additional information

This position is subject to the University’s background check policy. The work location is in-person on campus at Princeton University. Visa sponsorship may be available (excluding H-1B visas requiring consular processing).