Postdoctoral Researcher in Political Theory (EXPIRED)

The Princeton University Center for Human Values invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Political Theory for a position starting in September 2024. 

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 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 some of the talks, panels, and conferences sponsored by the Center.

The University Center for Human Values has a strong record of placing our Postdoctoral Researchers in excellent tenure-track academic jobs.  Some recent postdocs can be seen here:  https://uchv.princeton.edu/people/postdoctoral-research-associates.

Qualifications

Applications are welcome from candidates who have or expect to have a Ph.D. by the start date of their appointment, normally beginning September 1, 2024. Applicants should not have more than two years of postdoctoral experience by the date of appointment. Applicants should have a serious research specialization in Political Theory.  We understand Political Theory broadly to include the history of political thought, normative analysis, and intellectual projects involving work jointly with other subfields in political science, related disciplines, or in interdisciplinary areas.  While most political theorists are trained in departments of politics and political science, we also welcome applications from candidates with research expertise in political theory who are trained in other disciplines or in interdisciplinary approaches.   

Applications will be evaluated on the basis of the applicant’s previous accomplishments and the promise of the proposed research project in Political Theory. 

Term of Appointment

The term of the fellowship is one year, normally beginning September 1, 2024, with the possibility of renewal for up to one additional year pending satisfactory performance. Appointment will be made to the rank of Postdoctoral Research Associate.  Princeton University offers competitive salary and employee benefits.

How to Apply

Candidates must submit an online application at https://www.princeton.edu/acad-positions/position/31081.

A complete application will include the following supporting materials:

1.    A curriculum vitae;

2.    A research proposal (not to exceed 1,500 words) describing the research project(s) the applicant plans to work on during the fellowship.  Please provide an indicative title in the heading;

3.    A scholarly paper (of no more than 12,000 words, not including bibliography) representing the applicant’s scholarly achievement or potential;

4.    Contact information for three referees, who should be prepared to comment specifically about the applicant’s qualifications for the proposed research project. Referees will be contacted directly with instructions for uploading letters of reference.

Applicant materials must be submitted online by the application deadline of November 1, 2023, 11:59 p.m. EST. We do not accept application materials by any other method. Letters of reference should be submitted by the priority deadline of November 8, 2023 11:59 p.m. EST. The selection committee will begin reviewing applications immediately, so letters of reference received after the priority deadline may put candidates at a disadvantage.

We expect to announce decisions in late March, 2024. 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.