Open Faculty & Academic Professional Positions

The Skinnider Lab at Princeton University aims to recruit a postdoctoral fellow or more senior researcher to work on projects related to computational analysis of chemical and biochemical datasets. A major focus will be on the identification of small molecules from mass spectrometry-based metabolomics data, in part based on generative AI models of chemical structures. The position is available starting July 2025, and will remain open until excellent fits are found.

The successful candidate will develop and apply computational approaches to chemical datasets, with artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) being a major focus. Many of the laboratory's interests center around the identification of small molecules using mass spectrometry data, and the use of language models to predict the existence of undiscovered small molecules that are likely to be observed by mass spectrometry. Of particular interest for this position is the identification of emerging illicit drugs, also known as novel psychoactive substances, in seized drug products or clinical samples. The candidate will have the opportunity to work directly with experimentalists to validate predictions made by their machine-learning models, and to develop user-friendly tools that will be used by a broad community. 

The scope of the work builds on recent publications from the laboratory, e.g. integrating language models with mass spectrometry data (https://www.nature.com/articles/s42256-021-00407-x, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.13.623458v1.abstract, https://www.nature.com/articles/s42256-024-00821-x,  https://www.nature.com/articles/s42256-021-00368-1) or executing large-scale meta-analyses of mass spectrometric datasets (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41592-021-01194-4). The research is computational in nature but involves close interactions with experimental collaborators. Many of the problems are constrained by inherently low-quality or noisy data, and the successful candidate will be enthusiastic about contributing to data preprocessing and curation in addition to model development and evaluation.

This opportunity will prepare candidates for a range of competitive positions in academia or industry that involve computational biology/chemistry, machine-learning for biological or chemical data, and drug discovery/design. Mentorship is taken seriously and every effort will be made to ensure the candidate is able to achieve goals in the next stage of their career.

The successful candidate will be motivated, independent, and have strong written communication skills. Candidates are required to have experience in one or more of the following areas as demonstrated through at least one first-author publication: computational biology/bioinformatics, cheminformatics, analytical chemistry/mass spectrometry/metabolomics, or machine learning/computer science.

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. Individuals should have or be expected to have a PhD with appropriate research experience in computational biology, chemistry, biochemistry, computer science, biological or chemical engineering, forensic science, or a related field. To apply online, please visit https://puwebp.princeton.edu/AcadHire/position/38881 and submit a CV and cover letter. The cover letter should highlight 1-3 publications or preprints that you feel best address the requirement for experience in the above-mentioned areas. Please also include contact information for three references. Qualified candidates who pass an initial screening may be provided with short programming exercises to assess their skills. Only suitable candidates will be contacted.

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

Expected Salary Range: $65,000 - $70,000

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.

The Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment invites applications for its Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellows program, with start dates as early as June 2026. This program supports outstanding scholars whose research focuses on innovative solutions to pressing technological, economic, and/or policy challenges relating to energy and the environment. Applications from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented within the energy and environment-related fields are highly encouraged.

Fellows must collaborate with two or more Princeton faculty or senior researchers within an energy or environment-related field and establish an interdisciplinary research plan aligned with the Andlinger Center's mission. Candidates whose plans forge new collaborations between associated faculty and researchers in the Andlinger Center's research directory are strongly preferred, though proposals that extend existing collaborations in creative new directions will be considered.

Appointments are anticipated for two years, with renewal after the first year contingent on satisfactory performance. Fellows will hold the rank of postdoctoral research associate, with a salary of $75,000 and a stipend of $3,000 per year for conference travel and career development.

Teaching
Participation in teaching is not required, though fellows may guest lecture in courses, with guidance from Princeton mentor(s). Interested fellows are encouraged to pursue workshops and training in pedagogy offered through Princeton's McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning.

Application process 
For full consideration, complete applications must be submitted by December 12, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Eligible candidates must have received their doctorate in a related field no more than three years prior to the anticipated start date. Preference will be given to candidates not currently affiliated with Princeton University. 

Applicants must develop a research proposal in consultation with two or more Princeton faculty or senior researchers with whom they intend to collaborate, at least one of whom must be identified as the primary mentor(s).  Mentors will be required to submit a letter assessing the candidate's academic strength and proposed research plan and to commit a portion of the financial support. Princeton mentors who are currently hosting a Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow are ineligible to serve as primary mentors; applicants should consult with their prospective mentors to ensure full eligibility.

The materials listed below should be submitted to https://puwebp.princeton.edu/AcadHire/position/39101 by the application deadline. This position is subject to the University's background check policy.
*Cover letter
*Curriculum vitae, including publications
*Research plan, developed in consultation with the prospective Princeton mentor(s), with a maximum length of 2 pages.  The plan must explain the research context, the interdisciplinary framework of its objectives, and the anticipated impact. The plan should clearly articulate the technological or policy solutions proposed to address the challenges and demonstrate a strong connection to the Andlinger Center's mission. The research can be applied or fundamental, theoretical or experimental, or a combination of such. Prospective Princeton mentors will be contacted to ensure the applicant has consulted with them in developing the research plan.
*Personal statement (1-2 pages), demonstrating how the fellowship advances the applicant's career plans and identifying possible additional mentors that they plan to cultivate during the fellowship.
*Letters from 2 or 3 references, who will receive an email with instructions on how to send their recommendation.
*Contact information for the applicant's prospective Princeton primary mentor(s).

Questions about the fellowships or application process may be directed to the Andlinger Center's assistant director for research, Charles Sharpless (csharpless@princeton.edu).

Expected Salary Range: $75,000

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.

The Princeton Materials Institute (PMI) at Princeton University (https://materials.princeton.edu) invites applications for a tenure-track appointment at the Assistant Professor level in the general area of materials science and engineering, with a start date as early as September 1, 2026.  We encourage outstanding candidates from a broad range of backgrounds and disciplines in engineering and the natural sciences to apply.  The successful candidate will be jointly appointed between PMI and the academic department at Princeton best aligned with the candidate's work.

All research areas within materials science and engineering are within the scope of this search, including but not limited to:  materials processing, mechanics of materials, and the development of advanced experimental materials characterization techniques.  The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in a relevant science or engineering discipline, demonstrated excellence in academic research, and a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students that will enhance the work of PMI and partnering departments.

Candidates must complete an on-line faculty application at https://www.princeton.edu/acad-positions/position/39742, including a curriculum vitae, detailed descriptions of research and teaching interests, and contact information for at least three references.  Applications should be received by November 9, 2025 to ensure full consideration.

Princeton University is an equal opportunity employer 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. This position is subject to the University's background check policy.

Expected Salary Range: $150 - $165k

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.

The Department of Religion at Princeton University invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor in Early Christianity, to begin September 1, 2026. The candidate should have strengths and interests that complement those of continuing faculty in the Religion Department's subfield of Religions of Mediterranean Antiquity, competency in relevant primary source and research languages, and be prepared to teach broadly in New Testament and Early Christianity.

It is expected that candidates for a tenure-track position will have completed the Ph.D. by the time the position begins or will be very close to completing it. We seek faculty members who will create a climate that embraces excellence, with a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring that will enhance the work of the department and that will attract and retain a diverse student body. 

Interested applicants should apply online and submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, a writing sample, and the contact information for three recommenders at https://puwebp.princeton.edu/AcadHire/position/39441. The search committee will begin reviewing applications on September 30, 2025, and will continue doing so until an appointment has been made. 

This position is subject to the University's background check policy.

Expected Salary Range: $115,000 - $130,000

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.

Princeton University seeks applications for an assistant, associate, or full professor to contribute to a major initiative at the interface between cancer, immunity, and metabolism (Ludwig Princeton Branch).  We welcome applications from candidates using biological, chemical, physical, engineering, and/or computational approaches to tackle questions at this interface.  We are particularly interested in candidates with plans to develop a research program involving mining of large-scale data and/or cancer prevention (even if they have not explicitly worked on cancer prevention before).  Candidate selected will be appointed to a tenured or tenure-track position in an academic department at Princeton appropriate for the candidate's area of specialization, and will also hold a corresponding membership in the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research.

Responsibilities include teaching and service in accordance with the standards for the academic department in which the candidate is appointed, and research, including operation of a vibrant research group to benefit from both Princeton University and Ludwig Princeton Branch funding (with expectations to compete also for external funds).  The research focus of the Ludwig Princeton Branch is cancer metabolism (including diet and associated sociological factors, as well as immune metabolism and tumor microenvironment), broadly defined to also encompass development of relevant physical, chemical, computational, and engineering technologies and exploration of relevant biological factors including diet and the microbiome.  Applicants are expected to hold a PhD or MD, optionally with relevant additional research experience (industrial, postdoctoral, or as a faculty member), and a strong track record of research accomplishments.  We value building a culturally diverse intellectual community with varying viewpoints.  Applicants should submit a description of research interests (typically 2 - 3 pages), curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and contact information for three referees online at https://puwebp.princeton.edu/AcadHire/position/39602.  Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.  For fullest consideration please apply by October 1, 2025.  

This position is subject to the University's background check policy.

Expected Salary Range: Assistant Professor: $131,000-$163,000, Associate Professor: $202,000-$228,000, Full Professor: $224,000-$306,000

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.