Call for Memberships at Princeton IAS School of Historical Studies

The School of Historical Studies supports scholarship in all fields of historical research but is concerned principally with the history of western, near eastern and Asian civilizations, with particular emphasis upon the Greek and Roman world, the history of Europe (medieval, early modern, and modern), the Islamic world, East Asian studies, art history, history of science, and musicology. All selections are based on both external and internal review.  

Accepted Members receive access to the extensive resources of the Institute, including offices, access to libraries, subsidized restaurant and housing facilities, and some administrative services.

Members are required to remain in residence in Princeton during term time.  The only obligation is to pursue one’s research. If they wish, Members may also participate in seminars and meetings within the Institute, and there are ample opportunities for contact with scholars at nearby universities. 

General Membership Guidelines:

The online application will be posted in June. Please check here for updates.  

Applicants must have a substantial record of publication and a Ph.D. awarded no later than July 31, 2026. Scholars are not required to hold a current institutional affiliation. Qualified candidates of any nationality are invited to apply.

Application Deadline: October 15, 2026

Dates of Membership: 

Term I: September 20 – December 17, 2027 & Term II: January 10 – April 14, 2028 

Membership Eligibility Requirements: 

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent, awarded no later than July 31, 2026.

Scholars are expected to reside at the Institute for Advanced Study or in the immediate Princeton area during the term(s) of their Membership.

Application Requirements: 

• A completed online application
• Curriculum vitae
• Research proposal (maximum 1,500 words)
• One-page bibliography related to the proposal
• Three writing samples, published or in proofs, from peer-reviewed sources
• Two reference letters (only required for applicants who received their Ph.D. in 2020 or later)

Funding: 

• Up to $40,000 for a single term and $80,000 for a full academic year. 
• A limited reimbursement for travel expenses to incoming Members from outside the Princeton area. 

Eligible scholars may simultaneously apply for one of the two fellowships:

Mellon Fellowship for Assistant Professors:

• Received their Ph.D. between January 1, 2020 and July 31, 2026.
• Currently Assistant Professors at a college or university in the U.S. or Canada.
• Able to return to their current institution after the fellowship. 

Short-listed applicants for the Mellon Fellowship for Assistant Professors will be invited for a video interview on Friday, January 15, 2027. 

Postdoctoral Fellowship:

• Received their Ph.D. between July 1, 2024 and August 31, 2026.
• One opening for a scholar in the field of Medieval Studies.
• Two openings for scholars in the field of Europe & the World post 1800.
• At least one writing sample published in a peer-reviewed source.
• Annual stipend of $75,000, with the possibility of a renewed contract for the 2028-29 academic year.

Short-term Visitorships for less than a full term and no stipend are also available ad-hoc. To inquire about a Visitorship opportunity, contact the Administrative Officer at HSao@ias.edu. For any inquiries, email hsappquery@ias.edu. 

All applicants will be notified of decisions of the selection process by February 2027 via email. 

For more information, visit our FAQs page.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.