Princeton University
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Political Theory
Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, us, 08543
Overview
The Princeton University Center for Human Values invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Political Theory for a position starting in September 2026. The researcher's duties will include making progress on their own research projects, teaching the equivalent of one course each year, and actively participating in the intellectual community of the University Center for Human Values. The teaching will likely involve running a senior thesis seminar rather than teaching a traditional course, subject to approval of Princeton's Office of the Dean of the Faculty. The postdoc will be expected to participate in a year-long research seminar for visiting fellows and Center faculty, as well as a year-long seminar for the Center's cohort of Postdoctoral Associates. Each of these seminars meets roughly every other week. The postdoc will also be expected to regularly attend talks, panels, and conferences sponsored by the Center.
Responsibilities
Make progress on your own research projects.
Teach the equivalent of one course per year, likely a senior thesis seminar, subject to approval.
Participate in a year-long research seminar for visiting fellows and Center faculty, and in a year-long seminar for the Center's cohort of Postdoctoral Associates (each meeting roughly every other week).
Regularly attend talks, panels, and conferences sponsored by the Center.
Qualifications
Ph.D. by September 1, 2026 (candidates who have or expect to have a Ph.D. by this date are welcome).
No more than two years of postdoctoral experience by the start of the appointment.
Serious research specialization in Political Theory.
Broad understanding of Political Theory to include history of political thought, normative analysis, and interdisciplinary work with other subfields or related disciplines.
Applications from candidates trained in other disciplines or interdisciplinary approaches are welcome.
Evaluation will consider past accomplishments and the promise of the proposed research project in Political Theory.
Term and Appointment The term of the fellowship is one year, normally beginning September 1, 2026, with the possibility of renewal for up to one additional year, contingent on satisfactory performance and continued funding. Appointment will be at the rank of Postdoctoral Research Associate.
Expected Salary Expected Salary Range: $80,000
How to Apply Candidates must submit an online application with the following materials: a curriculum vitae; a research proposal (not to exceed 1,500 words) describing the research project(s) planned during the fellowship, with an indicative title; a scholarly paper (no more than 12,000 words, not including bibliography) representing the applicant’s scholarly achievement or potential; and contact information for three referees who can comment on the qualifications for the proposed project. Referees will be contacted directly with instructions for uploading letters of reference. Applications must be submitted online by September 14, 2025 for fullest consideration. Letters of reference should be submitted by the priority deadline of September 21, 2025. The selection committee will begin reviewing applications immediately; letters received after the priority deadline may disadvantage candidates. Decisions are expected in December 2025. This position is subject to the University’s background check policy. The University reserves the right to adjust terms of the offer based on policy and funding availability.
Salary and Benefits The University considers factors such as scope and responsibilities, qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market conditions, and applicable agreements when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents a good-faith estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly. The University also offers a comprehensive benefits program to eligible employees. See the official information for more details.
Administrative Requisition No: D-26-CHV-00001
PI277974103
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Responsibilities
Make progress on your own research projects.
Teach the equivalent of one course per year, likely a senior thesis seminar, subject to approval.
Participate in a year-long research seminar for visiting fellows and Center faculty, and in a year-long seminar for the Center's cohort of Postdoctoral Associates (each meeting roughly every other week).
Regularly attend talks, panels, and conferences sponsored by the Center.
Qualifications
Ph.D. by September 1, 2026 (candidates who have or expect to have a Ph.D. by this date are welcome).
No more than two years of postdoctoral experience by the start of the appointment.
Serious research specialization in Political Theory.
Broad understanding of Political Theory to include history of political thought, normative analysis, and interdisciplinary work with other subfields or related disciplines.
Applications from candidates trained in other disciplines or interdisciplinary approaches are welcome.
Evaluation will consider past accomplishments and the promise of the proposed research project in Political Theory.
Term and Appointment The term of the fellowship is one year, normally beginning September 1, 2026, with the possibility of renewal for up to one additional year, contingent on satisfactory performance and continued funding. Appointment will be at the rank of Postdoctoral Research Associate.
Expected Salary Expected Salary Range: $80,000
How to Apply Candidates must submit an online application with the following materials: a curriculum vitae; a research proposal (not to exceed 1,500 words) describing the research project(s) planned during the fellowship, with an indicative title; a scholarly paper (no more than 12,000 words, not including bibliography) representing the applicant’s scholarly achievement or potential; and contact information for three referees who can comment on the qualifications for the proposed project. Referees will be contacted directly with instructions for uploading letters of reference. Applications must be submitted online by September 14, 2025 for fullest consideration. Letters of reference should be submitted by the priority deadline of September 21, 2025. The selection committee will begin reviewing applications immediately; letters received after the priority deadline may disadvantage candidates. Decisions are expected in December 2025. This position is subject to the University’s background check policy. The University reserves the right to adjust terms of the offer based on policy and funding availability.
Salary and Benefits The University considers factors such as scope and responsibilities, qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market conditions, and applicable agreements when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents a good-faith estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly. The University also offers a comprehensive benefits program to eligible employees. See the official information for more details.
Administrative Requisition No: D-26-CHV-00001
PI277974103
#J-18808-Ljbffr