The Sharmin and Bijan Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Iran and Persian Gulf Studies at Princeton University invites applications for postdoctoral research associates or more senior researchers in the relevant fields of Iran and the Persian Gulf in the 19th - 21st century. Anticipated to start in September 2025, the position is open to scholars of all academic disciplines in the humanities and social sciences. The term of appointment is based on rank. Positions at the postdoctoral rank are for one year with the possibility of renewal pending satisfactory performance and continued funding; those hired at more senior ranks may have multi-year appointments.
The center promotes interdisciplinary approaches to advancing the study of Iran and the Persian Gulf, with special attention to the region's role and significance in the contemporary world. The goal of the program is to support outstanding scholars of Iran and the wider Persianate world at an early stage of their careers and thus to strengthen the field of Iranian and Persian Gulf Studies in the United States and abroad.
In addition to their salary, researchers receive funding (up to $4,000 per academic year) for research related expenses (books, conferences, travel expenses, etc.). The center provides office space and staff support as well as a taxable moving allowance to help defray domestic or international moving expenses. Researchers are required to be in residence in Princeton or the local vicinity, or demonstrate to the program's satisfaction the ability to be on campus on a daily basis and on short notice in order to fulfill responsibilities relating to in-person participation. They are responsible for their own accommodations. The work location for this position is in-person on campus at Princeton University.
A Ph.D. conferred between 2022 and the start date is required. Candidates are required to apply online at https://www.princeton.edu/acad-positions/position/35741 and submit the following documents: (1) cover letter with title and summary of proposed research project (200 words); (2) research proposal (max. 1500 words), including description of project, bibliography, timetable, explicit goals, and the reason for pursuing at Princeton; (3) curriculum vitae and list of publications; (4) sample chapter (in English) of dissertation or other recent work; (5) contact information for three references. In order to be considered for this position, all application materials must be received by November 29, 2024, 11:59pm EST.
DEADLINE: All materials must be received by November 29, 2024, 11:59 p.m. EST. Preferred start date is September 1, 2025. This position is subject to the University's background check policy.
Essential Qualifications: Ph.D. required (conferred between 2022 and appointment start date) Researchers may not pursue another degree while in this appointment, nor may they hold any other fellowships or visiting positions concurrently. Appointment cannot be deferred to a later term.
Instructions for Applying: Complete the online application at https://www.princeton.edu/acad-positions/position/35741. Documents that can be associated with this posting: Cover letter, Statement of Research Interest, Resume/CV, Bibliography/Publications List, Writing Sample, Other Document 1 Proposed Start Date: 09-01-2025. End date, if a Term Appointment: 09-01-2026.
Please note:
1. Research Project should be 200 words (essentially an abstract); the cover letter inclusive of the research proposal can exceed 200 words. Letters are typically 2-pages long. (11-12 font size)
2. Research proposal – expand on the “abstract” in 1500 words or less, excluding bibliography word count
3. Bibliography is typically 1 page, curated of your primary sources and secondary sources (where you indicate who your interlocutors are).
4. Finally, please alert your recommenders early and provide them with the application deadline (recommendations are accepted up to 3 days after the deadline) so that they are not taken by surprise when they receive a notification from the system that a reference is requested within 3 days from the application submittal.
Princeton University is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action 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.