The Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS) at Princeton University is pleased to announce the call for applications to the PIIRS Postdoctoral Fellowship Program for the 2026-27 academic year. As a leading global institution in interdisciplinary research on international issues, PIIRS is dedicated to advancing innovative scholarship that addresses the world's most pressing challenges. The PIIRS Postdoctoral Fellows Program is integral to that mission.

Visit https://piirs.princeton.edu/ for more information about PIIRS.

We will award two postdoctoral fellowships to our 2026-27 cohort. PIIRS seeks recent PhDs in the Social Sciences who have demonstrated exceptional scholarship, congruent with the Institute's intellectual focus, that simultaneously advances theoretical debates in their disciplinary field; creatively speaks to and engages with a multidisciplinary audience; and deepens substantive regional knowledge of specific places.

Appointments are for one year (12 months) with the possibility of renewal pending satisfactory performance and continued funding. Postdoctoral Research Associates (PDRAs) are expected to be in residence at Princeton or the local vicinity for the entire academic year or demonstrate to the program's satisfaction the ability to be on campus on a daily basis and on short notice in order to fulfill responsibilities relating to in-person participation. The position requires PDRAs to be on campus at least four days per week.

Leveraging Princeton's scholarly resources, fellows will focus on research, expand their intellectual horizons, and prepare work for publication. They will have biweekly meetings with the faculty director to share their work, and monthly meetings with faculty fellows from various social sciences to present their work and learn from others. Fellows are also encouraged to engage with colleagues and attend departmental seminars.

Applicants must demonstrate outstanding scholarly achievement and promise. To be eligible, applicants generally cannot have more than two years of postdoctoral experience prior to the start of the appointment, at the beginning of the academic year on September 1, 2026. The postdoctoral selection will be made based on the strength of the candidates' scholarly record; the promise of the proposed research; and the ability to contribute to the intellectual life of the postdoctoral program (with interest in connecting with other PIIRS and Princeton departments on campus).

In addition to a competitive salary, benefits, and housing subsidy, the program will provide the Fellow with the opportunity to host a small, pre-publication, book workshop; and a research fund of $4,000 per year.

Applicants must apply online at https://www.princeton.edu/acad-positions/position/39141. Applications are due by September 15, 2025 (11:59 p.m. EST).

The following application items should be uploaded by the applicant:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Transcripts
• Research Proposal indicating plans for two-year postdoc (maximum 5 pages double-spaced)
• Dissertation abstract (including Table of Contents)
• Writing sample: one chapter of the dissertation or one published article related to dissertation topic.
• Document confirming either that you have completed all requirements for the PhD degree or a letter signed by your dissertation advisor indicating that you will complete the PhD by the start date of the fellowship.
• The names and email addresses of three referees, who will be contacted automatically by the online application system with an invitation to upload their letter of recommendation to the system by the application deadline.

Further information can be found at https://piirs.princeton.edu/funding-fellowships/piirs-postdoctoral-fellows.

This position is subject to the University's background check policy. The work location for this position is in-person on campus at Princeton University.

Princeton does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic, and Princeton does not provide special benefits or preferential treatment on the basis of a protected characteristic. 

About PIIRS, Princeton University

Established in 2003, the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS) is Princeton University’s international and regional studies center — promoting research, learning and dialogue on world cultures and issues of global importance. The Institute provides funding and support for a wide range of programs and activities aimed at advancing understanding of international issues in global, comparative, societal and cultural perspectives and at fostering sustained interdisciplinary conversation in international and regional studies among Princeton faculty and students.

Connections working at PIIRS, Princeton University