Revised Program in African Studies Postdoctoral Research Associate AY 2027-2028

Princeton University • Princeton, NJ

18d • Onsite

About The Position

The Program in African Studies (PAS) at the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS) invites applications for one appointment for the 2027–2028 academic year. The appointment will be made to an exceptional recent PhD in the humanities, social sciences, interdisciplinary environmental science, or engineering whose research focuses on Africa or its diaspora. Relevant topics include African thought, art, media, activism, conservation, economics, urban and rural communities, and post-colonialism, among other research related to the African continent and its diaspora. The appointment may be at the rank of Postdoctoral Research Associate or a more senior rank. The Postdoctoral Research Associate appointment is for 12 months, with possible renewal subject to satisfactory performance, continued funding, and other requirements. Appointments at a senior rank may be multi-year.

The successful candidate is expected to teach one semester-long course per year and actively collaborate in research, discussions, and scholarly events within PAS and PIIRS. They may also have the opportunity to advise students in their area of expertise or related areas. When teaching, the candidate will hold a secondary teaching rank; teaching is contingent on sufficient course enrollment and prior approval from the Office of the Dean of the Faculty.

The position is in person at Princeton University. Postdoctoral Research Associates must be on campus at least four days per week and demonstrate the ability to be on campus daily and on short notice to fulfill in-person responsibilities. The program provides a competitive salary and benefits, an annual research fund of $3,000, shared office space, and a laptop computer. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding scholarly achievement and excellence in teaching and may not have more than two years of postdoctoral experience before the expected September 1, 2027 start date. The position is subject to the University's background check policy. It is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship requiring consular processing; other visa sponsorship may be available as appropriate.

Requirements

• Hold a recent PhD in the humanities, social sciences, interdisciplinary environmental science, or engineering.
• Have a research focus related to the African continent or its diaspora.
• Demonstrate outstanding scholarly achievement and excellence in teaching.
• Have no more than two years of postdoctoral experience before the start of the appointment.
• Be able to fulfill the in-person campus requirement, including being on campus at least four days per week.

Responsibilities

• Teach one semester-long course per year, subject to sufficient enrollment and prior approval from the Office of the Dean of the Faculty.
• Actively collaborate in research, discussions, and scholarly events within PAS and PIIRS.
• Be on campus at least four days per week and be able to attend campus daily and on short notice for in-person responsibilities.
• May advise students in the candidate's area of expertise or related areas.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Research fund of $3,000 per year.
• Shared office space.
• Laptop computer.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree