The Department of African American Studies (AAS) at Princeton University invites applications from faculty (particularly those who are pre-tenure with at least one year of teaching experience in your current position) in all disciplines for up to two visiting research scholar positions. In rare cases, independent scholars will also be considered. These positions will be awarded for the academic year 2026-2027 to emerging scholars who will devote their residency at Princeton to writing about race in the national or global contexts and, with the approval of the Office of the Dean of the Faculty, will teach one semester-long undergraduate elective course. Teaching opportunities will be subject to sufficient course enrollments, and when teaching, the successful candidate will carry a secondary teaching rank.  Ph.D. in relevant discipline required.

Visiting research scholars participate in and contribute to the intellectual life of the Department and the University. Responsibilities in addition to teaching include delivering a lecture on their research, participating in the Faculty-Graduate Seminar, and attending colloquia and lectures sponsored by the Department. The Department will also fund a manuscript review hosted by the scholar's AAS faculty mentor. The review entails inviting two senior scholars to come to Princeton to workshop an in-progress book manuscript. During the entire residency, visiting research scholars will enjoy access to Firestone Library and to a wide range of activities throughout the University.

Applicants cannot be in the process of writing a dissertation at the time of appointment. The term for these positions is anticipated to extend from on or about September 1, 2026 until July 1, 2027; a competitive salary will be provided.

A selection committee of Department of African American Studies faculty members evaluates applicants on the basis of:

• the significance of their proposed research and its relevance to the purposes of the Department.
• the quality of their previous research and their ability to benefit from the activities of the Department.
• the contribution they are likely to make to higher education in the future through teaching and writing about race.

How To Apply

Applicants must upload to the online portal the following information by December 15, 2025, 11:59pm Eastern Standard Time: 

1. a curriculum vitae
2. a cover letter
3. a writing sample (written in the last three years, not to exceed 25 pages)
4. a statement of no more than 1,500 words describing the proposed research project
5. contact information for three references (at least one from someone who was not a dissertation supervisor)
6. syllabi for three undergraduate courses
7. teaching evaluations for recent courses

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Candidates must apply online at https://www.princeton.edu/acad-positions/position/39662.

The work location for these positions is in-person on campus at Princeton University.

Application deliberations are set to begin on January 15, 2026 and candidates will be notified of their status shortly after.  For more information or questions, please contact:

Shanda Carmichael,
Academic & Administrative Coordinator
609.258.4270
aas21@Princeton.EDU

Expected Salary Range: $98,500 - $105,000

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. 

About Prineton University

The Department of African American Studies at Princeton University provides an exciting and innovative model for teaching and research about African-descended people, with a central focus on their experiences in the United States. We embody this mission in a curriculum that reflects the complex interplay between the political, economic, and cultural forces that shape our understanding of the historic achievements and struggles of African-descended people in this country and around the world. We offer both an Undergraduate Concentration and an Undergraduate Certificate that expand and deepen a student’s understanding of race in the United States and in the world. Students who pursue and fulfill all requirements for the Concentration are awarded a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies. Alternatively, the Certificate in African American Studies is equivalent to an academic ‘minor’ in African American Studies. Undergraduate students in both tracks select from the same course offerings. The Curriculum requirements in the Undergraduate Program in African American Studies reflects the complex interplay between political, economic, and cultural forces that shape our understanding of... the historic achievements and struggles of African-descended people in this country and their relation to others around the world. The Course of Study is directed in three distinct subfields; African American Culture and Life; Race and Public Policy; and Global Race and Ethnicity. The Graduate Studies program in African American Studies provides an opportunity for students to complement doctoral studies in their home department with coordinated interdisciplinary training in African American Studies. Students entering the program may come from any department in the Humanities and Social Sciences. Graduate students cannot be admitted to Princeton University through the African American Studies Certificate Program since it is not a degree program. All graduate admissions decisions will be made through affiliated departments.

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