Currie C. and Thomas A. Barron Visiting Professor in the Environment and Humanities

High Meadows Environmental Institute; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Princeton University is seeking a distinguished humanist for the 2026-2027 academic year to hold the title of Currie C. and Thomas A. Barron Visiting Professor in the Environment and Humanities. The role involves teaching, mentoring students, and contributing to interdisciplinary dialogue at the intersection of humanities and environmental issues. Applicants should be accomplished scholars or practitioners with a strong record in environmental research and education.

Qualifications

• Accomplished scholars on leave from their home institution.
• Exceptional records of publication and teaching.

Responsibilities

• Teach one course per semester and mentor students.
• Contribute to the academic center and organize lectures.

Skills

Environmental Justice

Biodiversity

Global Health

Sustainability

Education

PhD

Job description

Princeton University seeks to appoint a distinguished humanist whose work is related to the environment for the 2026-2027 academic year. The on-campus position will provide salary plus benefits for the academic year. The funds may be used to supplement a sabbatical leave.

The position is supported by the High Meadows Environmental Institute – the interdisciplinary center of environmental research, education, and outreach at Princeton University. Persons appointed will hold the title of the Currie C. and Thomas A. Barron Visiting Professor in the Environment and Humanities.

Applicants should be accomplished scholars on leave from their home institution, who have exceptional records of publication and teaching and whose interests lie at the intersection of environmental issues and the humanities. Of particular interest are scholars with expertise and interests related to air and water sustainability, biodiversity, energy, environmental justice, food system change, global health, global warming, and wilderness histories and futures. There is no geographic limitation. Backgrounds in American studies, settler colonial studies, Indigenous studies, environmental art and media, environmental history, literature and environment, cultural anthropology and geography, and religion and ecology are especially welcome.

In addition to accomplished scholars, environmental practitioners who may not hold a university position but who have a distinguished record as leaders in national environmental organizations or in the arts may also qualify for the Barron Visiting position.

The visitor(s) will have a shared appointment in the High Meadows Environmental Institute and a supporting department at Princeton University. The incumbent Barron Visitor(s) will be expected to contribute to the life of this vibrant academic center and to cultivate dialogue at the intersection of the humanities and the environment at Princeton. They will be expected to teach an average of one course per semester subject to sufficient enrollment and approval by the Dean of the Faculty and to mentor/advise two to three students on independent projects. Other activities may include the organization of University/public lectures and forums on related topics. Remaining duty time may be devoted to research and writing and other professional pursuits.

The incumbent’s annual salary will be determined based upon their salary at the home institution, not to exceed the level established for an equivalent rank of associate or full professor in the supporting department.

Applications should include (1) a cover letter; (2) a brief description of any previous experience in interdisciplinary and/or collaborative research; (3) a statement of research and teaching plans at the intersection of environment and humanities; (4) a current curriculum vitae and (5) for scholars on sabbatical leave, an indication of and justification for the level of support requested. A short list of finalists will be asked to submit further materials. The names and contact information for three references should be indicated as part of the application. However, HMEI will request letters only for the finalists.

The work location for this position is in-person on campus at Princeton University.

To apply, please visit https://www.princeton.edu/acad-positions/position/38743. Applications received before October 31, 2025, 11:59 pm Eastern Time will be given full consideration. Questions about the application process may be directed to [e-mail].