DeCenter Postdoctoral Research Associates
Location: Princeton NJ

Salary Range or Pay Grade: 78,000-90,000 and 90,000-110,000

The Princeton DeCenter invites applications for Postdoctoral Fellows, (including more senior researchers) with academic or industry experience expected to begin in Feb. 2027 through Feb. 2028. They will be appointed at the rank of Postdoctoral Research Associate or at a more senior rank, as appropriate.

The Term of appointment is based on rank. Positions at the postdoctoral rank are for one year with the possibility of renewal pending satisfactory performance and continued funding; those hired at more senior ranks may have multi-year appointments. Fellows must have their Ph.D. in hand by the start of the appointment.

Fellows will join a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to advancing research on blockchain, decentralized technologies, and their applications, across computer science, economics, law, political science, philosophy, and related fields.

The DeCenter is a newly established interdisciplinary hub at Princeton University devoted to exploring the decentralization of power and trust through blockchain (and similar) technology.

We seek to create a truly interdisciplinary cohort of postdoctoral fellows to jointly lead research projects. Fellows’ primary responsibilities will therefore be to conduct research and collaborate with others in cross-disciplinary research initiatives. We also seek to maintain a vibrant interdisciplinary community, and fellows will also be responsible for co-organizing weekly seminars, occasional workshops, etc. that are of interest to the broader DeCenter community.

An ideal candidate would satisfy the following selection criteria:

● A strong record of research in their primary discipline.

● A demonstrated ability to lead independent projects.

● A demonstrated ability (ideal) or demonstrated interest (necessary) in interdisciplinary engagements, and the ability to serve as a strong bridge between their primary discipline and others.

● A strong record of research (ideal) or demonstrated interest (necessary) in foundational research concerning blockchain technology or similar technologies that support the decentralization of trust.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, but prefers to receive them by December 1, 2026 11:59PM EST. Applications must include:

● A cover letter.

○ Please use the cover letter to briefly state the applicant’s primary discipline and any qualifications related to the selection criteria.

○ Please also use the cover letter to briefly describe what motivates the candidate to pursue an interdisciplinary postdoctoral fellowship concerning blockchain technology and applications.

● A research statement (1-3 pages) describing the candidate’s prior research that best exemplifies the selection criteria..

● A curriculum vitae.

● The names and email addresses of at least three references.

These positions are subject to the University's background check policy. The work location for this position is in-person on campus at Princeton University

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.