Senior Research Specialist

The Center for Information Technology Policy (CITP) is an interdisciplinary center at Princeton University. The center is a nexus of expertise in technology, engineering, public policy, and the social sciences on campus. In keeping with the strong University tradition of service, the center’s research, teaching, and events address digital technologies as they interact with society.

The goal of the CITP Emerging Scholars program is to train scholars who have completed their undergraduate studies but require more coursework or research preparation to improve their chances of admission to highly competitive Ph.D. programs or another competitive career path, such as impactful placement in government, nonprofits, or the private sector. The program provides intensive research and/or work experience, coursework, and mentoring. The Emerging Scholars program is for people who have received a bachelor's degree (or will receive one by the time of appointment) in fields such as computer science, sociology, economics, political science, psychology, public policy, information science, communication, philosophy, and other related technology policy disciplines. 

The CITP’s Emerging Scholars program participants are hired as salaried research specialists for a period of two years to work for CITP and will receive all benefits associated with their status as regular University staff. 

Applicants must apply online here. Candidates are encouraged to apply by Friday, January 9, 2026 for full consideration.

Interested applicants must submit:

• CV
• Transcripts (official or unofficial)
• Applicants should provide the contact information of two references, and one should be an academic reference, if possible. References will only be contacted if the candidate is short-listed.
• Statement of purpose: Applicants must provide information about:

(1) how their background and training has prepared them for this position 

(2) projects they might want to work on if accepted (to learn more about research and policy work at CITP please visit our website

(3) what they hope to gain from the program in terms of their long term and short-term career goals

CITP is committed to building a culturally diverse community. If you have any questions about this position or the application process, please feel free to contact us at citp@princeton.edu. 

•  The scholars will work on projects at CITP and will take 1-2 classes per semester. Tuition for these courses is paid by the program.
• The scholars will participate in the intellectual life of the center. During the academic year, CITP hosts several public and private events including weekly lunch seminars, panels, workshops, technology policy clinic meetings and reading groups. The Emerging Scholars will be housed within CITP’s Fellows' program that also hosts several postdoctoral scholars, visiting professionals and professors. The Emerging Scholars will attend activities organized for the fellows including regular fellows' meetings. 

• Bachelor's degree is required at the time of appointment. 
• Successful candidate will begin the program commencing on or about August 24, 2026.
• Candidates will be 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.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity 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.

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.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.