Postdoctoral Research Associate in Political Theory

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.

Qualifications

Applications are welcome from candidates who have or expect to have a Ph.D. by September 1, 2026. Applicants should not have more than two years of postdoctoral experience by the start 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 welcome applications also 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, 2026, with the possibility of renewal for up to one additional year subject to satisfactory performance and meeting all requirements, and continued funding. Appointment will be made to the rank of Postdoctoral Research Associate. The work location for this position is in-person on campus at Princeton University. 

Expected Salary Range: $80,000 
 

How to Apply

Candidates must submit an onlineapplication. 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 and by September 14, 2025 for fullest consideration. We do not accept application materials by any other method. Letters of reference should be submitted by the priority deadline of September 21, 2025. 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 December 2025. This position is subject to the University's background check policy.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity 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.