Overview
The Center for Information Technology Policy (CITP) is an interdisciplinary center at Princeton University. The center is a nexus of expertise in technology, engineering, public policy, and the social sciences. Our researchers work to better understand and improve the relationship between technology and society, with a particular focus on AI, Data Science and Society; Privacy and Security; and Digital Infrastructure and Platforms.
The CITP Emerging Scholars program is designed to train scholars for an impactful career in the field of public interest technology. The program provides intensive research and work experience, coursework, and mentoring. The Emerging Scholars program is for people who have received a bachelor’s degree (or will receive one by the time of appointment) in fields such as computer science, sociology, economics, political science, psychology, public policy, information science, communication, philosophy, and other related technology policy disciplines. Past Emerging Scholars have gone on to join academic programs and competitive careers in government, nonprofits, or the private sector.
The CITP’s Emerging Scholars program participants are hired as salaried research specialists for a period of two years to work for CITP and will receive all benefits associated with their status as regular University staff.
Application Process
The application for the 2026-28 cohort will be open in October 2025. Candidates are encouraged to apply by Friday, January 9, 2026 for full consideration.
Interested applicants must submit:
- CV
- Transcripts (official or unofficial)
- Applicants should provide the contact information of two references, and one should be an academic reference, if possible. References will only be contacted if the candidate is short-listed.
- Statement of purpose – Applicants must provide information about:
- How their background and training has prepared them for this position;
- Projects they might want to work on if accepted. CITP research falls into the following three areas: AI, Data Science and Society; Privacy and Security; and Digital Infrastructure and Platforms;
- What they hope to gain from the program in terms of their long term and short-term career goals.
Responsibilities
- The scholars will work on projects at CITP and will take 1-2 classes per semester. Tuition for these courses is paid by the program.
- The scholars will participate in the intellectual life of the center. During the academic year, CITP hosts several public and private events including weekly lunch seminars, panels, workshops, technology policy clinic meetings and reading groups. The Emerging Scholars will be housed within CITP’s Fellows’ program that also hosts several postdoctoral scholars, visiting professionals and professors. The Emerging Scholars will attend activities organized for the fellows including regular fellows’ meetings.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree is required at the time of appointment.
- Successful candidates will begin the program commencing or about August 24, 2026.
- Candidates will be required to be in residence in Princeton or the local vicinity or demonstrate to the program’s satisfaction the ability to be on campus on a daily basis and on short notice in order to fulfill responsibilities relating to in-person participation.
CITP is committed to building a culturally diverse community and strongly encourages applications from individuals who identify as members of groups that have been historically underrepresented in this field. If you have any questions about this position or the application process, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].
Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity 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. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
