Fully Funded PIIRS Postdoctoral Fellowship at Princeton

About the Fellowship

The Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS) at Princeton University invites applications for its highly competitive Postdoctoral Fellowship Program for the 2026–27 academic year. Designed to support outstanding early-career scholars in the Social Sciences, this fellowship encourages innovative and interdisciplinary research that tackles the world’s most urgent global challenges. Fellows will engage deeply with both theoretical debates in their own fields and broader multidisciplinary conversations, strengthening regional knowledge and international perspectives. By providing access to Princeton’s world-class academic resources, faculty mentorship, and a vibrant scholarly community, this fellowship empowers researchers to advance their work towards publication, expand their networks, and contribute to Princeton’s mission of fostering global understanding.

Fellowship / Details

Position Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate, PIIRS Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
Host Institution: Princeton University
Administering Body / Funding Agency: Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS)
Location: Princeton, New Jersey, United States
Research Field(s): Social Sciences, with strong interdisciplinary focus and regional studies
Fellowship Type: Postdoctoral Fellowship (Full-time)
Level: Early-career
Fellowship Duration: 12 months (renewable subject to performance and funding)
Expected Start Date: September 1, 2026
Working Hours: As per institutional norms (minimum four days per week on campus)
Funding/Compensation: Competitive salary, full benefits, housing subsidy, $4,000 annual research fund, and support for hosting a book workshop

Required Degree/Diploma

Supported Research Fields / Areas:

Social Sciences broadly defined
Regional and international studies
Interdisciplinary research combining theoretical and empirical approaches

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD in Social Sciences or closely related fields
No more than two years of postdoctoral experience prior to September 1, 2026
Outstanding scholarly achievement and potential for significant contributions to the field
Ability to participate fully in Princeton’s intellectual community (must be on campus at least four days a week)

Preferred Qualifications:

Strong publication record or promising publications in progress
Experience engaging with multidisciplinary audiences
Interest in fostering collaboration within and beyond Princeton

Not Eligible:

Candidates with more than two years of postdoctoral experience prior to the start date

Fellowship/Job Benefits

Monthly salary (competitive, commensurate with experience)
Full health insurance and other benefits
Housing subsidy
$4,000 research allowance per year
Support for hosting a pre-publication book workshop
Access to Princeton’s extensive research resources and professional development opportunities
Dedicated office space and institutional support

Key Responsibilities

Conduct and advance original research aligned with PIIRS objectives
Engage actively with faculty and other fellows through biweekly and monthly seminars
Prepare publications and present research findings
Participate in Princeton’s academic community through workshops, seminars, and events
Contribute to the intellectual life of PIIRS and collaborate with other university departments

Application Process

How to Apply:

Submit applications online through Princeton’s application portal.

Apply Online Here

Required Documents:

Cover letter
Curriculum vitae
Academic transcripts
Research proposal (maximum 5 pages, double-spaced)
Dissertation abstract including table of contents
Writing sample (dissertation chapter or related published article)
Document confirming PhD completion or a letter from dissertation advisor confirming expected completion before September 1, 2026
Names and email addresses of three referees (letters will be automatically requested)