United States • Postdoctoral Fellowships & Research Memberships • 2027–28
Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton: which fellowship applications are still open?
The Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) in Princeton, New Jersey, is recruiting researchers for its 2027–28 academic year. Opportunities span mathematics, theoretical computer science, natural sciences, historical studies and social sciences. There is no single IAS postdoctoral application or universal deadline: each School sets different eligibility, research and funding conditions.
1. Current IAS fellowship application status
Status is tied to the stated 2027–28 cycle and was checked on 30 October 2026. Local application portal availability, hiring changes and later corrigenda take precedence.
2. IAS fellowships 2027–28: at a glance
| Item | Verified details |
|---|---|
| Host institution | Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), an independent research institute in Princeton, New Jersey, USA; distinct from Princeton University. |
| Opportunity | Research Memberships and distinct postdoctoral positions in four IAS Schools; appointments are not all conventional employment-based postdocs. |
| Academic cycle | 2027–28; selected appointments begin in 2027. |
| Fields | Mathematics, theoretical computer science, astrophysics, biology, theoretical physics, history, social sciences and related eligible fields. |
| Qualifications | Category-specific: postdoctoral Ph.D. recency rules for some programmes; mid-career and senior Memberships are also available. |
| Funding | Varies by School. Some postdoctoral roles are stipendiary or salary-based; some other Memberships are supplementary or non-stipendiary. |
| Research setting | Predominantly in-person/residential, generally focused on independent research; duties vary for joint or special positions. |
| Application route | MathJobs, AcademicJobsOnline, IAS portals or direct email, depending on the programme. |
| Last verified | , from primary IAS materials. |
IAS reports that it normally selects approximately 200 Members from more than 1,500 applicants across the Institute. This is an institute-wide figure, not an acceptance rate for any one School or fellowship category.
3. Schools and specific research opportunities
School of Mathematics — open until 1 December 2026
Mathematicians and theoretical computer scientists can apply for 2027–28 Memberships. IAS lists approximately 35 stipendiary postdoctoral Memberships for researchers who are no more than five years past their Ph.D.; these normally last one or two years. Other pathways include joint positions with Princeton University or DIMACS/Rutgers, the von Neumann and Chern fellowships, mid/senior Memberships, and the 2027–28 Special Year on Expansion and Computation. The School’s application is on MathJobs. Recommendation letters are also due 1 December.
Joint-position warning: Princeton- or Rutgers-linked positions may require applications to both institutions and may include teaching obligations. Do not assume all IAS-linked posts are teaching-free.
History of Modern Mathematics — separate open postdoc
The IAS History of Modern Mathematics project advertises a two-year postdoctoral scholar appointment beginning September 2027, focused on the history of mathematics since the late nineteenth century. Candidates need a Ph.D. in history of science, science and technology studies (STS), or a related field; undergraduate mathematical training is strongly preferred. The posted salary is US$78,870 per year. Apply through MathJobs by 1 December 2026, selecting “Member” and the research area “History of Mathematics” as directed by IAS.
School of Natural Sciences — physics/astrophysics open; biology has no fixed deadline
The 2027–28 opportunities include theoretical astrophysics, cosmology, mathematical physics, quantum field theory, particle phenomenology, string theory, quantum gravity and biology. Regular postdoctoral Memberships are typically three years with full stipend support; a limited number of longer appointments may be available to exceptional researchers. The School does not publish one universal salary figure for these postdocs.
Physics and astrophysics: Apply through AcademicJobsOnline by 15 November 2026. Biology: do not use the physics portal; IAS specifies submission by email to its Biology contact and states that no application deadline applies. Prospective Biology applicants should check availability before sending materials.
Decoding the Quantum Rosetta Stone — up to five positions
IAS separately invites applications for up to five postdoctoral positions in a Targeted Simons Research Group linking scattering-amplitudes methods and integrability. These are described as 2+1-year appointments: two years at a participating institution (Oxford, ENS Paris, UC Davis or Brown), followed by one year at IAS. Submit a CV, a research statement addressing interest in the collaboration and future plans, and three reference letters through AcademicJobsOnline, listing MEMQRS #32868. The deadline is 15 November 2026.
School of Historical Studies — 2027–28 closed
The general Historical Studies Membership competition closed 15 October 2026. Successful Members may receive up to US$40,000 for one term or US$80,000 for a full academic year, depending on the award. Its dedicated recent-Ph.D. Postdoctoral Fellowship also closed on that date and listed three positions: one in Medieval Studies and two in Europe and the World after 1800. For that postdoctoral route, Ph.D. conferral was required between 1 July 2024 and 31 August 2026; the annual stipend was US$75,000, with potential renewal for 2028–29.
Important: For Historical Studies, IAS says that candidates cannot apply for both a general Membership and its dedicated Postdoctoral Fellowship in the same cycle. The Mellon Fellowship for Assistant Professors is a separate eligibility category, restricted to eligible faculty employed at U.S. or Canadian institutions.
School of Social Science — 2027–28 closed
The Social Science competition closed at 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on 15 October 2026. The fellowship is residential, typically September 2027–May 2028, and usually brings about 20 scholars to IAS. The 2027–28 thematic focus is Understanding AI; projects unrelated to the theme are also eligible. Applicants needed a Ph.D. or recognised equivalent in hand by the deadline. IAS states that it will reopen its application portal in August 2027 for the following fellowship year.
4. Eligibility: which researchers qualify?
| Route | Core eligibility and important distinctions |
|---|---|
| Mathematics postdoctoral Membership | Ph.D. no more than five years before the relevant application cycle; mathematics or theoretical computer science research. Different rules apply to senior and special-year Memberships. |
| Natural Sciences postdoctoral Membership | Research fit in eligible theoretical and biological sciences; applicants should follow the individual application category, including the distinct Biology procedure. |
| History of Modern Mathematics | Ph.D. in history of science, STS or related field; undergraduate mathematical training strongly preferred. |
| Historical Studies 2027–28 (closed) | General Membership: doctoral award by 31 July 2026. Dedicated postdoc: Ph.D. awarded from 1 July 2024 to 31 August 2026, with a qualifying peer-reviewed writing sample. |
| Social Science 2027–28 (closed) | Ph.D. or recognised equivalent in a related field held by 15 October 2026. Applicant’s work need not address the annual theme. |
| International applicants | IAS welcomes eligible scholars from outside the United States. Selected researchers must satisfy appointment, residency and applicable U.S. immigration requirements; eligibility does not itself guarantee a visa. |
Current university employment is not a universal eligibility requirement for IAS research Membership. Conversely, some targeted awards impose affiliation or career-stage restrictions. The individual official call remains controlling.
5. Funding, stipend, accommodation and duration
| Programme | Funding and duration |
|---|---|
| Mathematics postdoctoral Membership | Approximately 35 stipendiary positions; normally 1–2 years. No universal numerical stipend specified on the general School call. |
| Natural Sciences postdocs | Typically three years with full stipend support; IAS describes stipends as competitive but does not provide a single published amount. |
| History of Modern Mathematics | US$78,870 per year; two years starting September 2027. |
| Historical Studies general Membership (closed) | Up to US$40,000 for one term or US$80,000 for a full academic year, subject to terms. |
| Historical Studies dedicated postdoc (closed) | US$75,000 annual stipend; possible renewed contract for 2028–29. |
| Social Science (closed) | IAS support is a supplement to salary/other funding, capped at US$80,000 and subject to limits linked to the Member’s prior salary. The US$80,000 ceiling is not an automatic fellowship award. |
| Other appointment benefits | Office/library access and subsidised housing/dining opportunities; availability, charges, insurance and relocation support depend on the School and offer. |
Amounts above are in U.S. dollars and describe different programmes; they should not be compared as equivalent take-home salary figures. Applicants should review gross versus net pay, medical insurance, housing charges, taxes and external funding rules when an offer is made.
6. Application documents by School
Mathematics
Apply through MathJobs. Assemble a focused research statement and category-specific materials; all required referee letters must arrive by 1 December. Separate joint-appointment applications may be needed.
Natural Sciences: physics
CV with publication list; research statement of at most three pages (one-inch margins); three separate PDFs of recent papers; three reference letters. Submit through AcademicJobsOnline.
Natural Sciences: biology
CV, publication list, research statement and three recommendations sent by the School’s specified email procedure. Visiting Professor and sabbatical categories do not require letters.
History of Modern Mathematics
Cover letter, CV, research proposal (maximum 1,500 words), writing sample (essay or book/dissertation chapter) and three recommendations, through MathJobs.
Historical Studies (closed)
For general Membership: CV, research proposal of up to 1,500 words, one-page proposal bibliography, three peer-reviewed writing samples and two references for candidates with Ph.D.s awarded in 2020 or later.
Social Science (closed)
Four-page research proposal, CV and one writing sample of up to 50 pages. The School explicitly does not accept reference letters.
Document rules are programme-specific. For historical, closed categories these details are retained for transparent comparison and planning the next cycle; they do not reopen applications.
7. How to apply correctly
- Match the research category. Choose the correct School and whether you need a postdoctoral, joint, visiting or senior Membership route.
- Check status on the actual IAS page. In particular, do not submit to closed Historical Studies or Social Science 2027–28 portals.
- Use the programme-specific application channel. Mathematics and the history-of-mathematics role use MathJobs; physics/astrophysics and the quantum group use AcademicJobsOnline; Biology follows IAS’s email instructions.
- Tailor the research dossier. Explain the research problem, evidence of prior contribution, a feasible plan and why residence at IAS would advance the work.
- Verify references and file formats. Some calls require three letters, while Social Science accepts none. Confirm the relevant due date and any distinct referee submission deadline.
- Keep submission evidence. Retain the submitted documents and portal acknowledgement; do not assume a completed draft equals a submitted application.
Official school and application links are consolidated under Official IAS sources and portals below.
8. CareerAidHub guidance for Indian and international researchers
Choose the route before adapting your CV. A mathematician within five years of the Ph.D. may be suited to the standard postdoctoral Membership, whereas an established scholar can assess von Neumann, Chern or other senior pathways. The School of Natural Sciences also invites stronger mid-career applications, so applicants should not rule themselves out solely because they are beyond their first postdoc.
Write a research-led statement. Connect two or three substantial research contributions to the next question you want to resolve. Identify the methods, intellectual contribution and a credible work programme for the proposed appointment. Avoid generic claims about prestige or a lengthy repetition of your thesis.
For international applicants: confirm whether the appointment requires residence in Princeton for the full term and whether you need U.S. J-1 exchange-visitor sponsorship. Ask about health insurance, dependent eligibility, travel and housing costs only through the relevant IAS administrative channel. Do not infer work authorisation from academic eligibility.
For closed programmes: treat the October 2026 requirements as planning information. Do not assume the next cycle will repeat the same dates, funding or subject allocations.
9. Before you apply: five checks
- The intended School and actual appointment category match your Ph.D. field and career stage.
- The 2027–28 application route remains open and your time zone is accounted for.
- Every required file and recommendation meets the School’s length and formatting rules.
- The precise pay, outside-funding policy and residency requirements fit your circumstances.
- You have followed the primary IAS application link, not a third-party form or an outdated post.
10. Frequently asked questions
Are Institute for Advanced Study postdoctoral fellowships open for 2027–28?
Some are. On 30 October 2026, Mathematics and Natural Sciences physics/astrophysics applications were still within their published deadlines. The separate history-of-mathematics and Quantum Rosetta Stone postdoctoral opportunities also had future deadlines. Historical Studies and Social Science applications for 2027–28 were closed.
What are the IAS postdoc deadlines for 2026 applications?
Physics/astrophysics and the Quantum Rosetta Stone group: 15 November 2026. Mathematics and History of Modern Mathematics: 1 December 2026. Historical Studies and Social Science: 15 October 2026 (passed). Biology states no fixed deadline.
Can researchers from India apply?
Yes, eligible international researchers can apply to the relevant IAS programmes. Individual award conditions, eligibility and U.S. immigration requirements still apply.
Is IAS part of Princeton University?
No. IAS is an independent research institution located in Princeton. Some IAS positions are linked to Princeton University or Rutgers through separate joint arrangements.
Is the IAS postdoctoral stipend US$75,000 or US$80,000?
Neither figure applies universally. The closed Historical Studies dedicated postdoc specifies US$75,000 annually; the general Historical Studies full-year Membership maximum is US$80,000. Social Science uses a different supplemental-funding cap. The separate History of Modern Mathematics postdoc advertises US$78,870 annually.
Does IAS Mathematics require a Ph.D. within five years?
The general Mathematics postdoctoral Membership category is intended for those no more than five years beyond the Ph.D. Other IAS Mathematics categories explicitly accommodate mid-career and senior scholars.
Does IAS Biology use AcademicJobsOnline?
No. The IAS Natural Sciences page directs Biology applicants to a separate email submission process. The AcademicJobsOnline route described there is for Physics and Astrophysics applications.
Are letters of recommendation always required?
No. The number and need for letters vary. Physics and the special Quantum Rosetta Stone programme request three; Mathematics requires letters by its published deadline; Social Science explicitly declines all recommendation letters.
Can I apply to both Historical Studies Membership and its postdoctoral fellowship?
No. IAS says applicants cannot apply to both those routes in the same cycle. The 2027–28 deadline has already passed.
Does an IAS appointment include housing and health insurance?
IAS offers access to subsidised housing and other resources, but details depend on the programme. Housing may involve rent, and insurance and eligible subsidies must be checked in the individual offer or the School’s membership guidance.
12. Official IAS sources and application portals
Use these original institutional pages to confirm availability and submit applications. External links are collected here so the article remains easy to audit.
- IAS announcement: 2027–28 Membership applications.
- IAS central applying guide.
- School of Mathematics: application details and deadline.
- IAS MathJobs application portal.
- History of Modern Mathematics: dedicated postdoctoral advertisement.
- School of Natural Sciences: physics, biology and quantum-group instructions.
- School of Historical Studies: 2027–28 eligibility, stipend and closed deadline.
- School of Social Science: 2027–28 call and closed status.
- Social Science: funding, residential requirements and application FAQ.
Editorial verification: CareerAidHub checked the institutional materials listed above on . This is an independent explanatory guide, not an official IAS announcement. Application deadlines, eligibility, funding and appointment availability may change; the institution’s current notice and written offer control. No application fee or guaranteed selection outcome is asserted here.
