Location: Princeton University
Salary Range or Pay Grade: Postdoctoral Research Associate: $70,000; ARS: $77,000
Description
The Sharmin and Bijan Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Iran and Persian Gulf Studies at Princeton University invites applications for the position of Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) or a more senior rank in the relevant fields of Iran and the Persian Gulf in the modern period.
Anticipated to start in September 2027, the position is open to scholars of all academic disciplines in the humanities and social sciences. 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. 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 modern Iran 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 moving expenses. Fellows are expected to be on campus during the academic year to participate fully in the intellectual life of the Center and the wider University community.
Applicants are asked to submit an application by Sunday, November 22, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET).
The number of fellowships offered each year is contingent on funding. The work location for these positions is in-person, on campus at Princeton University, and the positions are subject to the University's background check policy. These positions are 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.
Qualifications
Applicants should have (or expect to have by the start of the appointment) a PhD. Applicants should have received their PhD not more than 2 years before the start of the appointment. Appointment cannot be deferred to a later 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 Mossavar-Rahmani Center seeks a diverse and international pool of applicants.
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit:
- Cover letter
- Current curriculum vitae
- Research Proposal
- Bibliography
- Writing sample
- Names and contact information for three individuals who will provide letters of recommendation
Dossier specifications and further information on the application process and timeline are detailed on the MRC’s website (iran.princeton.edu). We recommend that applicants review it before completing their application.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
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.
Pay Transparency Disclosure
The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the 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 benefits program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.
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