"Postdoctoral Research Associate"

Postdoctoral Research Associate

D-26-COS-00002 | Research | Computer Science

Call for Applications: Princeton DeCenter Postdoctoral Fellowships (Fall 2026)

The Princeton DeCenter invites applications for its inaugural cohort of Postdoctoral Fellows, and more senior researchers with academic or industry experience beginning in Fall 2026. Applicants must apply online at https://www.princeton.edu/acad-positions/position/40762 and include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, research statement and names and contact information for three references.

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. Fellows must have their Ph.D. in hand by the start of the appointment.

Fellows will join a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to advancing research on blockchain, decentralized technologies, and their applications, across computer science, economics, law, political science, philosophy, and related fields.

The DeCenter is a newly established interdisciplinary hub at Princeton University devoted to exploring the decentralization of power and trust through blockchain (and similar) technology.

Scope and Expectations
We seek to create a truly interdisciplinary cohort of postdoctoral fellows to jointly lead research projects. Fellows' primary responsibilities will therefore be to conduct research and collaborate with others in cross-disciplinary research initiatives. We also seek to maintain a vibrant interdisciplinary community, and fellows will also be responsible for co-organizing weekly seminars, occasional workshops, etc. that are of interest to the broader DeCenter community. An ideal candidate would satisfy the following selection criteria:

• A strong record of research in their primary discipline.
• A demonstrated ability to lead independent projects.
• A demonstrated ability (ideal) or demonstrated interest (necessary) in interdisciplinary engagements, and the ability to serve as a strong bridge between their primary discipline and others.
• A strong record of research (ideal) or demonstrated interest (necessary) in foundational research concerning blockchain technology or similar technologies that support the decentralization of trust.

Application Instructions
Applications received by December 1, 2025 11:59PM EST will receive full consideration. Applications received after that date will be considered on a rolling basis, subject to availability. Applications must include:

• A cover letter.
  Please use the cover letter to briefly state the applicant's primary discipline and any qualifications related to the selection criteria.
• A research statement (1-3 pages) describing the candidate's prior research that best exemplifies the selection criteria.
• A brief statement of purpose describing what motivates the candidate to pursue an interdisciplinary postdoctoral fellowship concerning blockchain technology and applications, and elaborating on any qualifications relevant to the specific aims of this fellowship.
• A curriculum vitae.
• The names and email addresses of at least three references.

These positions are subject to the University's background check policy. The work location for this position is in-person on campus at Princeton University

Expected Salary Range: 78,000-90,000

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.

Requisition No: D-26-COS-00002

How to Apply

The form below must be completed to submit your application for this position.

It is recommended that you read through the entire application and gather the required application materials before beginning your application. You will not be able to save or return to edit a partial application. Only complete applications will be accepted for consideration and the application form must be completed in its entirety before it can be submitted.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email at the email address that you provide in your application.In some cases, your references may be contacted using the email address that you provide for them and may be asked to provide their recommendation via a web-based form similar to the application form.

Be sure to provide the correct email addresses for you and all of your references to ensure that communications from Princeton University are properly delivered.

For more information send an email to search@cs.princeton.edu or call 609-258-8989.