Postdoctoral Researcher in Moral Philosophy

The Princeton University Center for Human Values invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Moral Philosophy 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 Moral Philosophy. We understand Moral Philosophy broadly to include specific ethical questions, moral theory, and meta-ethics, but not to include political philosophy.  Applications will be evaluated on the basis of the applicant's previous accomplishments and the promise of the proposed research project in moral philosophy.

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 November 2, 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 November 9, 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 February, 2026. This position is subject to the University's background check policy.

Princeton University is an Equal OpportunityEmployer 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.