Princeton University Postdoctoral Fellowship Competition 2026 – Society of Fellows in the Liberal Arts

Fellowship Description

The Princeton Society of Fellows in the Liberal Arts invites applications for its prestigious postdoctoral fellowship competition. This interdisciplinary group of scholars in the humanities and humanities-related social sciences offers three-year fellowships to exceptional early-career scholars at the beginning of their academic careers. Fellows are appointed as Associate Research Scholars in the Humanities Institute for a three-year term.

Selection is based on exceptional scholarly achievement and evidence of unusual promise, range and quality of teaching experience, and potential contributions to an interdisciplinary community. The Society of Fellows seeks a diverse and international pool of applicants. Fellows pursue their research, attend weekly seminars, and teach in academic departments.

Fellowship Location

The fellowship is tenable at Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey, USA. Fellows are expected to be on campus during the academic year to participate fully in the intellectual life of the Society and the wider University community.

Application Deadline

Applications for the 2027-30 fellowships must be submitted by August 4, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Letters of reference are due by August 10, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Host Institution

Princeton University is one of the world's leading research universities, consistently ranked among the top institutions globally. The Society of Fellows in the Liberal Arts is an interdisciplinary group of scholars in the humanities and humanities-related social sciences, dedicated to fostering intellectual exchange and supporting early-career researchers.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Postdoctoral Fellowship (early-career scholars).

Fields: Humanities and humanities-related social sciences. The Society includes a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to:

• Literature and Languages
• History
• Philosophy
• Art History and Visual Studies
• Music and Performing Arts
• Religion and Theology
• Anthropology
• Sociology
• Political Science (humanities-related)
• Cultural Studies
• Gender and Sexuality Studies
• Ethnic and Area Studies

Fellowship categories vary from year to year but always include open fellowships.

Target Group

The fellowship targets early-career scholars who have recently completed their PhDs (or equivalent) and are at the beginning of their academic careers. The Society of Fellows seeks a diverse and international pool of applicants. Scholars from all countries are welcome to apply.

Fellowship Duration & Amount

Duration: Three years (2027-2030).

Appointment: Associate Research Scholar in the Humanities Institute (to succeed Princeton's Council of the Humanities in fall 2027).

Teaching Responsibilities:

• Year 1 and 2: Teach one undergraduate course per semester
• Year 3: Teach only one course in either semester
• When teaching, fellows carry the secondary rank of Lecturer

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• $5,000 research account
• Access to certain University grants
• Shared office space
• Computer and other resources
• Opportunity to participate in weekly seminars and the intellectual life of the Society

Fellowship Eligibility

Essential criteria:

• Career stage: Applicants must be at the beginning of their academic career, having recently completed their PhD (or equivalent).
• Field of study: Humanities and humanities-related social sciences disciplines represented in the Society of Fellows.
• Scholarly achievement: Exceptional scholarly achievement and evidence of unusual promise.
• Teaching experience: Range and quality of teaching experience.
• Interdisciplinary potential: Potential contributions to an interdisciplinary community.

Diversity: The Society seeks a diverse and international pool of applicants. Scholars from all countries are encouraged to apply.

Application Procedure

1. Review the fellowship information – Visit the Princeton Society of Fellows website to review the fellowship categories and requirements.
2. Prepare your application materials – Gather the following:
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
   • Research proposal or statement of research plans
   • Writing sample (typically a chapter or published article)
   • Teaching statement
   • Three letters of reference (submitted by referees by August 10, 2026)
3. Complete the online application – Submit your application through the Princeton Society of Fellows application portal at sf.princeton.edu/application.
4. Submit by the deadline – Ensure your application is submitted by August 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
5. Notify referees – Ensure your referees submit their letters by August 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
6. Selection process – Applications are reviewed by the Society of Fellows selection committee. Finalists may be invited for interviews.
7. Notification – Successful applicants are notified of their fellowship award.

Important notes: A call for applications is posted annually in May. Fellowship categories vary from year to year. Applicants should review the fellowship website thoroughly before submitting their application. Fellows are expected to be on campus during the academic year.

Official Website & Application Link

Princeton Society of Fellows – Application Portal

Society of Fellows Website: sf.princeton.edu

Contact: For questions, contact the Society of Fellows office via the website.