Princeton University is inviting applications for an exciting AI Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2027 through its Natural and Artificial Minds (NAM) research initiative. This opportunity is designed for doctoral researchers interested in artificial intelligence, cognitive science, psychology, computer science, philosophy, and related disciplines.
The successful candidates will have the opportunity to conduct advanced research into human and artificial intelligence while benefiting from Princeton’s research facilities, dedicated computing resources, professional support, and competitive annual salary of $100,000.
For researchers hoping to advance their careers at a leading American university, this fellowship offers an opportunity to work at the intersection of AI innovation and the science of human cognition.
- Host institution: Princeton University, United States
- Research initiative: Natural and Artificial Minds (NAM)
- Position: AI Postdoctoral Research Fellow
- Annual salary: $100,000
- Location: Princeton, New Jersey, USA
- Application deadline: 28 February 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
- Preferred review date: 31 December 2026
- Expected start date: 1 September 2027
- Duration: One year, renewable annually subject to funding and other requirements
- Required qualification: PhD or doctorate in a relevant discipline
About the Natural and Artificial Minds Research Initiative
The Natural and Artificial Minds initiative seeks to use advances in artificial intelligence to investigate natural and artificial minds in parallel.
The programme creates opportunities to deepen our understanding of human cognition while developing new approaches to understanding, evaluating, and improving AI systems.
Researchers joining the initiative will contribute to interdisciplinary research that connects artificial intelligence with questions about intelligence, reasoning, learning, and human thought.
Fellows will be appointed through Princeton’s Data and Intelligent Systems (DaIS) research group and will have access to the university’s AI GPU cluster, which includes 300 NVIDIA H100 GPUs.
Research Areas Available
Successful applicants will contribute to one or both of the initiative’s core research projects.
1. Explanation and Intelligibility
This project focuses on understanding AI systems and investigating how their behaviour, decisions, and internal processes can be explained.
It may particularly interest researchers working in explainable AI, AI interpretability, computational modelling, cognitive science, and the study of intelligent systems.
2. Developing and Testing AI Models of Human Cognitive Function
This research area explores how AI models can be developed and tested to investigate aspects of human cognitive function.
Researchers interested in computational cognitive science, psychological modelling, machine learning, and the relationship between artificial and human intelligence may find this project especially relevant.
Applicants should demonstrate how their academic background, research experience, and future research interests align with the initiative’s objectives.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Princeton University AI Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, applicants must have, or expect to obtain by the time of appointment, a PhD or doctorate.
Relevant academic disciplines include:
- Cognitive science
- Psychology
- Computer science
- Philosophy
- Other related disciplines
Candidates should also demonstrate a strong interest and research track record in designing, understanding, or engineering AI models or methods and applying them to cognitive science.
Applicants should be prepared to undertake interdisciplinary research and collaborate with other researchers in person at Princeton University.
A doctoral qualification alone may not be sufficient: candidates should clearly demonstrate how their previous research and technical expertise relate to the advertised projects.
Benefits of the Princeton AI Postdoctoral Fellowship
Competitive annual salary
The advertised salary is $100,000 per year, providing a competitive compensation package for a postdoctoral research position.
Advanced AI computing facilities
Fellows will have access to Princeton’s AI GPU cluster, including 300 H100 GPUs, alongside dedicated computing resources to support their research.
Research support and equipment
The position includes office space, equipment, annual research support, and access to university facilities.
Employee benefits
Successful candidates will receive applicable university benefits in accordance with Princeton’s employment policies.
International research experience
Working at Princeton offers an opportunity to develop research expertise, build academic collaborations, and contribute to interdisciplinary work on artificial intelligence and human cognition.
Please note: This is a salaried research position, not a student scholarship. The announcement does not guarantee separate funding for relocation or all travel expenses.
Documents Required to Apply
Applicants should prepare the following documents before beginning their application:
- Cover letter: Explain your interest in the fellowship and why your experience makes you a suitable candidate.
- Current curriculum vitae: Highlight your qualifications, research experience, publications, technical expertise, and academic achievements.
- Research statement: Describe your research interests, previous contributions, and potential areas of contribution to the NAM initiative.
- Contact information for three references: Provide the details required by the application system.
Applicants should ensure that their research statement is focused, clearly written, and relevant to the initiative’s core projects.
How to Apply for the Princeton University Fellowship
Follow these steps to prepare your application.
Step 1: Explore the research initiative.
Visit the official Natural and Artificial Minds research page to learn more about the current projects.
Step 2: Review the department’s information.
Learn more about Princeton’s Data and Intelligent Systems research group through the official DaIS website .
Step 3: Prepare your documents.
Update your CV, prepare your cover letter and research statement, and identify three suitable academic or professional references.
Step 4: Submit your application.
Access the official vacancy announcement and select Apply Now to follow the instructions provided through Interfolio’s Faculty Search platform.
Applicants receive a free Dossier account through the application process and can submit materials, including confidential recommendation letters, without charge.
Application Deadline and Important Dates
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications by 31 December 2026, the preferred review date, to guarantee consideration.
The final advertised deadline is 28 February 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The university may screen applications before or after the preferred review date at its discretion.
The expected start date is 1 September 2027, although candidates available to begin earlier or later may also be considered.
Important Information for International Applicants
The position is based on Princeton University’s campus in New Jersey, and selected candidates are expected to participate in person.
The vacancy specifies that H-1B visa sponsorship requiring consular processing is not available for this position. Other visa sponsorship arrangements, including certain H-1B cases, may be possible where appropriate.
International applicants should review the vacancy’s visa conditions carefully and contact the university if they need clarification.
For questions about the position or application process, email nam-ai@princeton.edu.
Final Thoughts
The Princeton University AI Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2027 presents an opportunity for qualified doctoral researchers to contribute to innovative research connecting artificial intelligence and human cognition.
With a salary of $100,000 per year, access to advanced AI computing infrastructure, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, the position may be particularly attractive to researchers pursuing careers in AI research and computational cognitive science.
If your research background matches the advertised requirements, begin preparing your application early and explain how your expertise could contribute to the Natural and Artificial Minds initiative.
