Description

James Madison Program Postdoctoral Research Associate

D-26-POL-00004 | Research | James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions

The James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University is dedicated to the pursuit of scholarly excellence in the fields of constitutional law and political thought. Sponsored by Princeton's Department of Politics, the Program seeks to enrich the intellectual life of Princeton students and faculty by exploring American constitutional principles and structures through research and public discussion.

The Program invites recent Ph.D. recipients, or recipients who anticipate receiving their Ph.D., to apply for appointments as Postdoctoral Research Associates for the anticipated year from September 1, 2026 to September 1, 2027. Appointments will be through the Department of Politics. All James Madison Program researchers are expected to be in residence in Princeton, or the local vicinity, to fulfill responsibilities relating to in-person participation, office hours, and the like. The work location for this position is in-person on campus at Princeton University.

They may not be employed by another institution during the term of their Princeton appointment. They enjoy access to Firestone Library and a wide range of other facilities and activities throughout the University. Depending on the needs of the University, teaching opportunities may be available, subject to the approval of the Dean of the Faculty. Researchers appointed in the Madison Program are expected to devote full time to their proposed research. They are, however, encouraged to attend or participate in various activities of the Program, including faculty-student seminars, colloquia, and public lectures.

The position is a fully funded, 12-month postdoctoral research associate appointment with benefits. All James Madison Program Postdoctoral Research Associates are required to have a Ph.D. degree awarded within the last three years (no earlier than September 1, 2023), or candidates must have less than three years of post-Ph.D. research experience prior to the anticipated start date. Applications are evaluated on the basis of (1) the significance of the proposed research; (2) the quality of the applicant's past research; and (3) the future contribution the applicant is likely to make to higher education. Positions are open to all regardless of citizenship. This position is subject to the University's background check policy.

How to apply: Applicants are required to submit an online application at https://www.princeton.edu/acad-positions/position/40261

A complete application must include the following:
* a cover letter
* a curriculum vitae;
* a scholarly paper written in the past three years;
* a statement (no more than 1,500 words) describing the proposed research;
* contact information for two references.

For priority consideration, application materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on December 5, 2025; applications will continue to be reviewed until positions are filled. Awards will be announced in March 2026 or before.

Please address any inquiries to:
Adam Thomas, Ph.D.
Executive Director
James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions
Princeton University
83 Prospect Avenue
Princeton, NJ 08540
E-mail: adamt@princeton.edu
Web address: jmp.princeton.edu

Expected Salary Range: $65,000 - $75,000

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. Please see this link for more information.

Requisition No: D-26-POL-00004

*Required information is denoted with an asterisk.

How to Apply

The form below must be completed to submit your application for this position.

It is recommended that you read through the entire application and gather the required application materials before beginning your application. You will not be
able to save or return to edit a partial application. Only complete applications will be accepted for consideration and the application form must be completed in its entirety before it can be submitted.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email at the email address that you provide in your application. In some cases, your references may be contacted using the email address that you provide for them and may be asked to provide their recommendation via a web-based form similar to the application form.

Be sure to provide the correct email addresses for you and all of your references to ensure that communications from Princeton University are properly delivered.

For more information send an email to crjohnson@princeton.edu.

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