Princeton University invites applications for the Future Faculty in the Physical Sciences (FFPS) Fellowship. We seek to attract a diverse cohort of early career scientists who will conduct research in physics, broadly defined, including astrophysics, biophysics, geophysics, and planetary physics, independently or in collaboration with Princeton faculty, postdoctoral researchers and students. The Fellowship fosters research excellence at Princeton by bringing together scholars with unique backgrounds and insights in physics and related fields. Candidates who have demonstrated a strong commitment to broadening participation in physics, or the physical sciences more generally, through teaching, advising, mentoring, advocacy, or public outreach are especially encouraged to apply.
FFPS Fellows will have a primary home in the Department of Physics, of Astrophysical Sciences, or of Geosciences, and will be part of an actively mentored research community across institutional affiliations, including the Princeton Center for Theoretical Science, the Center for the Physics of Biological Function, the Leinweber Forum for Theoretical Physics, and other Centers and Programs. The Fellowship includes an annual research fund.
The work location for this position is in-person on campus at Princeton University. Appointments will be made at the postdoctoral or the associate research scholar rank. Postdoctoral appointments will be for one year, renewable annually based on funding and meeting all other requirements, for a total of up to three years; associate research scholar appointments will be for three years. The expected starting date is September 1, 2027, although this is flexible. A PhD in the physical sciences or a related field is required.
Interested persons should submit a curriculum vitae, a bibliography, and a statement of research interests and plans by November 1, 2026. A personal statement on mentoring, outreach/service, or teaching philosophy that works to broaden opportunities in the field should be included as a separate section of the research statement. A cover letter is optional. Letters of recommendation (3) will be managed through Interfolio.
Applicants should apply via the web at https://apply.interfolio.com/193776. All applications including reference letters received by November 1, 2026 will be fully considered, but applications will continue to be accepted until the position(s) are filled. For further inquiries, contact ffpsadmin@princeton.edu.
These positions are subject to the University’s background check policy. 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.
PDRA: $73,000 – $75,000/year and ARS: $75,000 – $83,000/year
The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) 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 benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.
This position is not eligible for sponsorship of an H-1B visa requiring consular processing; other visa sponsorships (including H-1B visas not requiring consular processing) may be available, as appropriate.