The James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University is dedicated to the pursuit of scholarly excellence in the fields of constitutional law and political thought. Sponsored by Princeton's Department of Politics, the Program seeks to enrich the intellectual life of Princeton students and faculty by exploring American constitutional principles and structures through research and public discussion.

The Program invites college and university professors and other professionals with established records of scholarship to apply for appointments as Visiting Fellows for the academic year running from September 1, 2025 to June 1, 2026.  One-semester appointments are possible but not preferred. Depending on the needs of the University, teaching opportunities may be available, subject to sufficient enrollment and approval of the Dean of the Faculty.

All James Madison Program Visiting Fellows will spend an academic year (9-month term) in residence at Princeton University or the local vicinity, to fulfill responsibilities relating to in-person participation. They enjoy access to Firestone Library and a wide range of other facilities and activities throughout the University. 

Visiting Fellows are expected to devote full time to their proposed research. They are encouraged, however, to attend or participate in various activities of the Program, including faculty-student seminars, colloquia, and public lectures.

All James Madison Program Fellows must have a doctorate or equivalent degree. Positions are open to all regardless of citizenship. Fellows normally receive a stipend of one-half their academic-year salary plus a living allowance. The fellows’ home institutions are expected to provide at least half of their academic-year salaries.

How to apply

Applicants are required to submit an online application at https://www.princeton.edu/acad-positions/position/35921

A complete application must include the following:

• a curriculum vitae;
• a scholarly paper written in the past three years;
• a statement (no more than 1,500 words) describing the proposed research;
• contact information for two references

Selected candidates will be asked to either submit a confidential statement indicating salary for the current academic year (September 1, 2024 – June 1, 2025) or provide written authorization for Princeton to confirm their salary.

For priority consideration application materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on December 6, 2024 for appointments beginning in September 2025. Awards will be announced in March 2025 or before.

Please address any inquiries to:
Adam Thomas, Ph.D.
Assistant Director
James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions
Princeton University
83 Prospect Avenue
Princeton, NJ 08540
E-mail: [email protected] 
Web address: jmp.princeton.edu

Princeton University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. To maximize excellence, we seek talent from all segments of American society and the world, and we take steps to ensure everyone at Princeton can thrive while they are here. That is the sole rationale and purpose of our diversity and inclusion programs, all of which are voluntary and open to all, and which comply with federal and state non-discrimination laws. Princeton does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic, and Princeton does not provide special benefits or preferential treatment on the basis of a protected characteristic.