Program in African Studies Postdoctoral Research Associate AY 2027-2028

Princeton University; Princeton (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Research fund $3,000 per year

Shared office space

Laptop computer

Job summary

Princeton University’s Program in African Studies (PAS) at PIIRS invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate or more senior rank for AY 2027-2028. The appointment is on campus at Princeton, NJ, with duties including teaching one semester-long course per year and active collaboration within PAS and PIIRS.

A competitive salary and benefits are provided; a research fund of $3,000 per year, shared office space, and a laptop are included.

Qualifications

• Applicants must demonstrate outstanding scholarly achievement and excellence in teaching.
• Cannot have more than two years of postdoctoral experience prior to the start of the appointment.

Responsibilities

• Teach one semester-long course per year and actively collaborate in research, discussions, and scholarly events within PAS and PIIRS.
• May advise students in their area of expertise; teaching role contingent on enrollment and approvals.

Skills

Scholarly achievement

Teaching excellence

Education

PhD in humanities or social sciences or interdisciplinary fields

Job description

Program in African Studies Postdoctoral Research Associate AY 2027-2028

Location: Princeton, NJ, United States

Salary Range or Pay Grade: PDRA $65,000 - $67,000; ARS $70,000

Description

The Program in African Studies (PAS) at the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS) invites applications for Postdoctoral Research Associate or more senior rank for the 2027-2028 academic year. One appointment will be made to an exceptional recent PhD in the humanities, social sciences, interdisciplinary environmental science or engineering, with a focus on African thought, art, media, activism, conservation, economics, urban and rural communities, post-colonialism, and other research related to the African continent and its diaspora. Appointment will be made at the rank of Postdoctoral Research Associate or more senior rank. Postdoctoral Research Associate appointment is for one year (12 months) with the possibility of renewal pending satisfactory performance, continued funding and meeting all other requirements ; those hired at a senior rank may have multi-year appointments. Postdoctoral Research Associate is expected to 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 Postdoctoral Research Associate to be on campus at least four days per week.

Responsibilities include teaching (one semester-long course per year) and active collaboration in research, discussions, and scholarly events within PAS and PIIRS. In addition, the successful candidate may have the opportunity to advise students in their area of expertise or related areas. When teaching, the successful candidate will carry a secondary teaching rank. Any teaching role is contingent on sufficient course enrollment and prior approval from the Office of the Dean of the Faculty.

In addition to a competitive salary and benefits, the program will provide a research fund in the amount of $3,000 per year. The program will also provide shared office space and a laptop computer.

Due to the anticipated volume of applications, only final candidates will be contacted. Further information about the Program in African Studies can be found at: http://piirs.princeton.edu/afs.

Questions about the application process for this position may be directed to Fiona Romaine, [e-mail].

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. Position is not eligible for sponsorship of an H-1B visa requiring consular processing; other visa sponsorships (including H-1B visas not requiring consular processing) may be available, as appropriate.

Qualifications

Applicants must demonstrate outstanding scholarly achievement and excellence in teaching. To be eligible, applicants cannot have more than two years of postdoctoral experience prior to the start of the appointment, which is expected to begin on September 1, 2027.

Application Instructions

Applicants must apply online. Applications are due by November 20, 2026 (11:59 p.m. EST). The following application items are required and should be uploaded by the applicant:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Dissertation abstract
• Writing sample: one chapter of the dissertation or one published article related to the dissertation topic
• Research proposal
• Two course proposals
• Details of prior courses taught and evaluation results if available
• Names and email addresses for three references, who will be contacted automatically by the online application system with an invitation to upload their letter of recommendation by the application deadline. (**Please note: all letters of reference should be submitted by your referees before the November 20, 2026 deadline).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the 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 benefits program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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