James Madison Program Postdoctoral Research Associate in Princeton, New Jersey at Princeton University

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. before the appointment start date, to apply for appointments as Postdoctoral Research Associates for the anticipated appointment period from September 1, 2027 to September 1, 2028. 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 Associate candidates must have less than two 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. These positions are 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. This position is subject to the University's background check policy.

We invite interested applicants to submit their materials through Interfolio.

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 4, 2026; applications will continue to be reviewed until positions are filled. Awards will be announced in March 2027 or before.

Please address any inquiries to:

Thomas Bell, Ph.D.

Assistant Director

James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions

Princeton University

83 Prospect Avenue

Princeton, NJ 08540

E-mail: thomas.bell@princeton.edu

Web address: jmp.princeton.edu