Presidential Postdoctoral Research Associate

Description

Brown University invites applications for its 2026-2028 Presidential Postdoctoral Research Associate Program, a two-year program at Brown that supports innovative, early-career Ph.D. graduates who are advancing diverse perspectives and scholarship in a range of fields and research areas, including the humanities, social sciences, physical sciences and engineering. The program is open only to those who have received their PhD from Brown recently, with degrees awarded after May 1, 2024 or degree requirements complete before January 1, 2026.

Successful candidates will teach one course per semester as part of the appointment and will participate in activities related to the Presidential Postdoctoral Research Associate Program. In their letter of application, candidates should discuss possible courses they might offer and identify a program, department, center, or institute that is relevant to their research and teaching. Preference will be given to applicants who will join an academic unit that is distinct from their degree-granting program. 

This postdoctoral appointment  is not renewable beyond year two.

For this position, Brown offers only the J-1 visa classification to scholars who need immigration sponsorship in order to enter the U.S. and commence lawful employment under the terms of their appointment.

Qualifications

Scholars with a Ph.D. in the physical sciences, engineering, life sciences, humanities, or social sciences awarded by the School of Engineering and academic units within the Office of the Dean of the Faculty at Brown University will be considered.  The program is open only to those who have received their PhD from Brown recently, with degrees awarded after May 1, 2024 or degree requirements complete before January 1, 2026. 

Application Instructions

Please submit a cover letter, CV, and three confidential letters of recommendation. The cover letter should include a description of your research and teaching interests, and showcase your capacity to contribute to our diverse and inclusive university community. You should also identify the academic department(s) and/or institute(s) in which you would like to work.

Only applications received by November 15, 2025 are assured of a full review. We anticipate making decisions about appointments by the close of February, 2026.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.