The Department of African American Studies (AAS) at Princeton University has opened applications for up to two Visiting Research Scholar positions for the academic year 2026–2027. These positions are designed for faculty and, in rare cases, independent scholars, who wish to focus their residency on writing about race in national or global contexts while contributing to the academic community at Princeton.

This prestigious program provides a unique opportunity for emerging scholars to conduct significant research, teach, and engage in the intellectual life of one of the world’s leading institutions.

Program Duration and Benefits

• Term: September 1, 2026 – July 1, 2027

• Format: In-person residency on the Princeton University campus

• Salary: Competitive range of $98,500 – $105,000 (with a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees)

• Additional Benefits:

  • Full access to Princeton’s Firestone Library and campus resources

  • A manuscript review workshop hosted by the scholar’s faculty mentor, including two senior invited scholars

  • Opportunities for international recognition through lectures, seminars, and workshops

  • Participation in the Faculty-Graduate Seminar, as well as departmental colloquia and lectures

Teaching Responsibilities

During the residency, with the approval of the Office of the Dean of the Faculty, visiting research scholars will:

• Teach one undergraduate elective course (one semester long), subject to sufficient student enrollment.

• Hold a secondary teaching rank during the teaching term.

Academic and Community Contributions

In addition to teaching, visiting scholars will be expected to:

• Deliver a lecture on their research project.

• Contribute actively to departmental activities and discussions.

• Participate in colloquia and lectures organized by the Department of African American Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline.

• Have at least one year of teaching experience in their current position (for faculty).

• Independent scholars will be considered in rare cases.

• Applicants cannot be in the process of writing a dissertation at the time of appointment.

• Proposals may be new projects, or those in planning or early implementation stages. Completed projects are not eligible.

Evaluation and Selection

Applications will be evaluated by a committee of AAS faculty members on the basis of:

• The significance and relevance of the proposed research.

• The quality of prior research and the applicant’s potential to benefit from Princeton’s academic environment.

• The impact of future contributions to higher education through teaching and writing about race.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials via the online application portal by December 15, 2025, 11:59 PM EST:

1. Curriculum Vitae

2. Cover Letter

3. Writing Sample (written in the last three years; maximum 25 pages)

4. Research Project Statement (no more than 1,500 words)

5. Contact Information for three references (at least one must not be a dissertation supervisor)

6. Syllabi for three undergraduate courses

7. Teaching evaluations for recent courses

Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: December 15, 2025 (11:59 PM EST)

• Review of Applications: Begins January 15, 2026

• Notifications to Candidates: Shortly after deliberations begin

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via the Princeton University academic hiring portal:
Apply Here

For additional inquiries, please contact:

Shanda Carmichael
Academic & Administrative Coordinator
📞 609.258.4270
📧 aas21@Princeton.edu

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary Range: $98,500 – $105,000

• The University also provides a comprehensive benefits program for eligible employees.

• Salary offers are determined based on factors including:

  • Scope and responsibilities of the position

  • Candidate qualifications and experience

  • Education and training

  • Key skills

  • Market benchmarks

  • Collective bargaining agreements (if applicable)

  • Organizational considerations

Why Apply for This Opportunity?

The Princeton Visiting Research Scholar program offers unparalleled opportunities for emerging scholars to:

• Advance research on race in national or global contexts.

• Teach and inspire students through undergraduate coursework.

• Receive mentorship and feedback from leading academics in African American Studies.

• Become part of a vibrant intellectual community with access to extensive resources.

• Contribute to shaping the future of higher education and scholarship on race.

This residency is not only a chance to produce impactful scholarship but also to build lasting networks and elevate your academic profile on a global stage.