Visiting Residential Fellowships 2027-28 in Law and Normative Thinking (PLANT) at University Center for Human Values, Princeton University, USA (Salary USD 100,000)

The Program in Law and Normative Thinking (PLANT) at the University Center for Human Values, Princeton University, invites faculty members of any discipline, legal practitioners and independent scholars to apply for visiting residential fellowships for 2027-28 devoted to the study of law, broadly conceived.

Fellows devote the full academic year to research, discussion and scholarly collaboration on topics related to law and normative inquiry. They take part in the weekly seminar of the Program in Law and Normative Thinking and mentor JD/PhD students who attend that seminar. Under exceptional circumstances, a fellowship for one semester may be considered.

The fellowship is a full-time commitment that typically runs from 1 September to 1 June. The work location is in-person on campus at Princeton University: scholars are expected to reside in or around Princeton, or to demonstrate to the programme's satisfaction the ability to be on campus daily. The anticipated start date is on or about 1 September 2027, with some limited flexibility.

Princeton states that these positions are not eligible for sponsorship of an H-1B visa requiring consular processing.

• A doctorate, juris doctor or an equivalent professional degree at the time of application.
• Open to senior and junior scholars, and to domestic and international scholars.
• Open to those based in law schools or in the practice of law, and to those based in other disciplines.
• This is not a post-doctoral or visiting assistant professor opportunity designed to launch young scholars into academic careers.

Expected salary range: USD 100,000. Princeton notes that the posted range is its good-faith estimate for a full-time position, that salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated, and that the University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees.

The selection committee looks closely at the research proposal. Applicants should demonstrate substantial expertise in law-related matters but write their research project for an audience of academic generalists (not necessarily lawyers). Applicants are evaluated on:

• the quality of their achievements in their field of specialisation and their ability to benefit from the programme's activities;
• the quality and significance of the proposed research project and writing sample;
• their likely future contributions to legal scholarship and practice, and to legal studies at Princeton and the programmes and mission of the University Center for Human Values.

Apply online through Princeton's Interfolio posting. Required materials:

• A cover letter explaining your intellectual trajectory and suitability for the fellowship
• A CV
• A research statement of maximum 1,500 words for a project to be pursued during the fellowship
• A writing sample consisting of a single article or chapter (published or unpublished)
• Contact information for two referees, who will be asked to send their letters by 10 December 2026 for best consideration

Deadline: 3 December 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST (10:29 a.m. IST on 4 December 2026). Letters of reference are due by 10 December 2026, 11:59 p.m. EST. Applicants receive a free Interfolio Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, free of charge.