Postdoctoral Position in Ethics and Climate Change (EXPIRED)

The University Center for Human Values (UCHV) and the High Meadows Environmental Institute (HMEI) at Princeton University invite applications for a postdoctoral research associate working at the intersection of ethics and global change to contribute to the Climate Futures Initiative in Science, Values, and Policy (CFI) – a jointly supported research program. Our aim is to support a scholar whose research agenda focuses on the ethical dimensions of climate change, informed by knowledge of climate science and policy. Applicants trained in moral and political philosophy, political theory, normative economics, and related areas are encouraged to apply.

The incumbent will be expected to be an active contributor to CFI and, in concert with the program’s faculty leadership and steering committee, will play a central role in planning the group’s activities. He/she will be encouraged to participate in the UCHV and HMEI communities and will have responsibility for contributing the equivalent of one course each year to the undergraduate or graduate programs of the Institute or University Center. This contribution may be fulfilled by teaching a course on a topic related to the ethical issues of global change, subject to the needs of the Institute and University Center, sufficient enrollment and approval by the Dean of the Faculty, or other forms of service as suggested by the Institute or University Center.    

For more information on the Climate Futures Initiative, see http://scholar.princeton.edu/cfi/home.  

Qualifications

Applications welcome from candidates who have or expect to have a Ph.D. by the start date, normally beginning September 1, 2021. Applicants should not have more than two years of postdoctoral experience by the date of appointment. They may not be employed by another institution during the term of their Princeton appointment.

The applicant’s dissertation need not be specifically in the ethics of climate change, but persons applying to this position will be expected to demonstrate relevant background and commitment to working on a research project in the focal area during their time at Princeton.

Applications will be evaluated on the basis of previous accomplishments, the promise of the proposed research in ethics, climate science, and policy, and the likelihood that the project will be enhanced by being carried out in an interdisciplinary environment. The capacity to contribute to the University’s teaching program may also be taken into account.

Term of Appointment

The term of appointment is one year, normally beginning September 1, 2021, with the expectation of renewal for an additional year contingent upon satisfactory performance. The postdoctoral researcher is expected to be in residence for the duration of his/her appointment. This is a full-time position.  As such, the individual accepting this position may not be employed by another institution during the term of his/her appointment at Princeton.

How to Apply

Applications for this position must be submitted at https://www.princeton.edu/acad-positions/position/16741 and include the following materials:

 1.   A current curriculum vitae;

2.    A research proposal (not to exceed 1,500 words) conforming to the expectations stated above. Please identify a statement of research plans and its connection to the focal area described for this position. Also, please indicate a title for the research project at the beginning of the proposal;

3.    A scholarly paper or dissertation chapter (not to exceed 12,000 words) representative of your scholarly achievement or potential; and

4.    Contact information for two referees, each of whom will be asked to comment specifically on your qualifications for the proposed research project. Referees will be contacted directly by email with instructions for uploading letters of reference.

All materials must be submitted online by February 1, 2021, 11:59 P.M. EST. We cannot accept application materials by any other method. Letters of reference are to be submitted by end of business day on February 6, 2021.

Decisions are expected in late March 2021.

This position is subject to the University’s background check policy.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.