Postdoctoral Research Opportunity: Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Social Science of Human Values – Princeton University

Postdoctoral Research Opportunity: Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Social Science of Human Values – Princeton University

• Institution: Princeton University

• Programs / Units: Program in Cognitive Science and University Center for Human Values

• Host Lab: Dr. Molly Crockett’s Laboratory, Department of Psychology

• Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Social Science of Human Values

• Interfolio ID: 195297

• Appointment Type: Full-Time Postdoctoral Research Appointment

• Work Mode: In-Person

• Location: Princeton University, New Jersey, United States

• Salary / Remuneration: Approximately INR 75.97 lakh annually

• Open Date: October 14, 2026

• Application Deadline: November 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

• Expected Start Date: July 1, 2027

• Initial Duration: 1 Year

• Possible Renewal: Up to 2 additional years, subject to satisfactory performance, continued funding, and appointment requirements

Overview of the Opportunity

Princeton University’s Program in Cognitive Science and University Center for Human Values invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Social Science of Human Values.

The successful candidate will be based in Dr. Molly Crockett’s laboratory in the Department of Psychology and will pursue quantitative or empirical research examining human values.

The position is designed for a promising early-career scholar working at the intersection of cognitive science, psychology, computational social science, experimental philosophy, or related quantitative social sciences.

Research Focus

The proposed research should engage with the social science of human values.

Relevant topics may include:

• Moral values in decision-making

• Epistemic values in scientific practice

• Human values and cognition

• Collective behavior

• Values expressed through online social networks

• Social decision-making

• Computational social science

• Experimental philosophy

• Psychology of values

The research is expected to generate both theoretical and empirical publications.

Academic Environment

The successful candidate will be appointed in the Program in Cognitive Science and will also contribute to activities of the University Center for Human Values (UCHV).

Possible contributions may include:

• Organizing a workshop

• Mentoring Ph.D. students

• Contributing service to the Future Values Initiative

• Participating in UCHV academic programmes

These activities will be subject to approval from the relevant programme and initiative directors.

Seminar & Intellectual Engagement

The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to:

• Participate in a year-long research seminar involving visiting fellows and UCHV faculty.

• Participate in a year-long seminar for UCHV Postdoctoral Associates.

• Regularly attend UCHV-sponsored:

  • Talks

  • Panels

  • Conferences

  • Academic events

The seminars generally meet approximately every other week.

Essential Qualifications

Applicants must:

• Hold a Ph.D. by the expected start date, or expect to complete it before appointment.

• Have no more than 2 years of post-Ph.D. research experience by the start of the appointment.

• Demonstrate strong potential for research in the cognitive or social science of human values.

• Present a promising research project suitable for the position.

• Be able to contribute meaningfully to the intellectual communities of:

  • University Center for Human Values

  • Program in Cognitive Science

  • Dr. Molly Crockett’s laboratory

Relevant Academic Backgrounds

The position is particularly suitable for candidates from fields such as:

• Psychology

• Cognitive Science

• Computational Social Science

• Quantitative Social Sciences

• Experimental Philosophy

• Empirically Informed Philosophy

• Related interdisciplinary fields

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated on:

• Previous academic and research accomplishments.

• Quality and promise of the proposed research project.

• Relevance to the cognitive science of human values.

• Potential contribution to the University Center for Human Values.

• Potential contribution to Dr. Crockett’s research group.

Salary / Remuneration

The advertised annual salary is:

USD 80,000

Approximately:

INR 75.97 lakh annually

Eligible employees may also receive Princeton University benefits according to applicable policies.

Application Checklist

Applicants must submit:

1. Current Curriculum Vitae

2. Research Proposal

   • Maximum 1,000 words, including title

   • Should describe the research the candidate proposes to pursue during the appointment

3. Representative Preprint or Publication

4. Contact Information for Three Referees

Reference letters will be requested only from shortlisted candidates.

Nature of Appointment

• Postdoctoral Research Associate

• Full-Time

• In-Person

• Initial Appointment: 1 Year

• Possible Renewal: Up to 2 Additional Years

• Research-focused interdisciplinary appointment

Important Dates

• Open Date: October 14, 2026

• Application Deadline for Full Consideration: November 20, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

• Expected Decision Announcement: February 2027

• Expected Start Date: July 1, 2027

Applications may continue to be accepted after the stated deadline until the position is filled.

Visa Information

The position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship requiring consular processing.

Other visa sponsorship options, including certain H-1B cases not requiring consular processing, may be available as appropriate.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through Interfolio.

Interfolio ID: 195297

Application Link:
https://dossier.interfolio.com/apply/195297

ServiceSetu Academics is a trusted partner in higher education. Our mission is to empower the academic community through knowledge, upskilling, and global partnerships. We have partnered with leading B-Schools and universities worldwide to drive academic and research excellence. Our portfolio spans executive education, global immersion programs, strategic outreach, certification programs, faculty development programs, short-term courses, and training with top international institutions.

Faculty Members and PhD Scholars may explore ServiceSetu Annual Membership and attend all ServiceSetu workshops FREE, and associated workshops at discounted prices during the membership tenure.

You may join the ServiceSetu Whatsapp Channel to get updates on faculty positions, leadership roles, conferences, workshops, research projects and post-doctoral fellowships, etc.

We are trusted by IITs, IIMs, and top business schools across the country for PhD outreach and conference promotions. Explore Marketing and Outreach services.

We have trained more than 10,000 academicians on different research methods, tools and techniques by conducting more than 50 workshops. Explore our Upcoming Workshops.