Postdoctoral Research Opportunity: Center on Contemporary China Postdoctoral Research Associate AY2027–28 – Princeton University

Postdoctoral Research Opportunity: Center on Contemporary China Postdoctoral Research Associate AY2027–28 – Princeton University

• Institution: Princeton University

• Unit: Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies (PIIRS)

• Center: Paul and Marcia Wythes Center on Contemporary China

• Position: Postdoctoral Research Associate

• Interfolio ID: 194539

• Number of Positions: 1

• Appointment Type: Full-Time Postdoctoral Research Appointment

• Location: Princeton, New Jersey, United States

• Work Mode: In Person

• On-Campus Requirement: At least 4 days per week

• Research Focus: Contemporary China from a social science disciplinary perspective

• Salary / Remuneration: Approximately INR 75.92 lakh annually

• Open Date: October 15, 2026

• Application Deadline: November 28, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

• Expected Start Date: September 1, 2027

• Initial Duration: 12 Months

• Renewal: Renewable annually subject to funding and appointment requirements

Overview of the Opportunity

The Paul and Marcia Wythes Center on Contemporary China at Princeton University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate for the 2027–28 academic year.

One appointment will be made to an exceptional recent Ph.D. scholar whose research focuses on contemporary China from a social science perspective.

The successful candidate will be based at Princeton and participate actively in the Center’s intellectual and research activities.

Research Focus

The fellowship is intended for scholars conducting social science research on contemporary China.

The successful candidate will have opportunities to:

• Develop an independent research agenda.

• Collaborate with Center faculty.

• Participate in student-faculty seminars.

• Attend and contribute to workshops.

• Participate in public lectures.

• Engage with Princeton’s broader research community focused on China and international studies.

Academic Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be expected to:

• Maintain an active research programme.

• Participate in Center on Contemporary China activities.

• Engage with faculty and students.

• Contribute to seminars and workshops.

• Participate in public lectures and scholarly events.

• Collaborate with Center faculty where appropriate.

The position requires an on-campus presence at Princeton University for at least four days per week.

Essential Qualifications

Applicants should:

• Have completed a Ph.D., or expect to complete the Ph.D. by the start of the appointment.

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

• Conduct research focusing on contemporary China.

• Approach contemporary China from a social science disciplinary perspective.

Salary / Remuneration

The advertised annual salary is:

USD 80,000

Approximately:

INR 75.92 lakh annually

Eligible employees may also receive Princeton University benefits in accordance with applicable policies.

Application Checklist

Applicants must submit:

1. Cover Letter

2. Curriculum Vitae

3. Research Plan Statement

   • 1–3 pages

   • Should explain proposed research plans

   • Should describe how the research relates to Center on Contemporary China activities

4. Two Writing Samples

5. Names and Email Addresses of Two References

Both referees will be contacted automatically through the application system.

All letters of recommendation must also be submitted by the November 28, 2026 deadline.

Nature of Appointment

• Postdoctoral Research Associate

• Full-Time

• 12-Month Initial Appointment

• In-Person

• Renewable Annually

• Research-Focused

• On-Campus Presence Required at Least Four Days per Week

Important Dates

• Open Date: October 15, 2026

• Application Deadline: November 28, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

• Reference Letter Deadline: November 28, 2026

• Expected Start Date: September 1, 2027

• Academic Year: 2027–28

Visa Information

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

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

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through Interfolio.

Interfolio ID: 194539

Application Link:
https://dossier.interfolio.com/apply/194539

For questions regarding the application process:

Contact: Celine Li
Email: celineli@princeton.edu

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