Princeton University's Shelby Cullom Davis Center for Historical Studies and the School of Historical Studies at the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) are pleased to announce an opening for a year-long joint position as a residential Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Davis Center and IAS, renewable for a second year, contingent upon satisfactory performance. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will enjoy member privileges at the IAS School of Historical Studies and will also participate in all of the Davis Center's weekly activities (along with the Center's faculty-level fellows). The position is strictly residential.

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will not have teaching or administrative responsibilities, but will be engaged in full-time work on a proposed historical project that corresponds to the theme of the Davis Center for academic years 2024-25 and 2025-26. The theme is "Truth and Information." The successful candidate will work on the historical evolution of regimes and practices of establishing, telling, and writing truth. We understand the notion of truth broadly: as a philosophical and epistemological category, an ideal of social equality and political justice, and a principle governing historical writing, legal, and science investigation. We invite historians to apply who study the role of ideology, religion, informational technology, and media in the historical evolution of truth. We are also interested in projects on the history of lying, deception, and misinformation. Specific topics may include (but are not limited to) the use and misuse of facts in political propaganda, problems of evidence and objectivity, authenticity and source criticism, fakes, forgery and conspiracy theories, and diplomatic, inter- and intra-national reconciliation. We are especially interested in candidates whose work also addresses issues of race, gender, and imperialism. Applications are welcomed from a range of historical fields, with no restrictions on either chronological period or geographical region.

The initial expected term of appointment for the postdoctoral position co-sponsored by the IAS is July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025, with renewal possible for a second year, contingent upon satisfactory performance. Applicants are required to hold a doctoral degree by the start of the appointment. The appointment will be made through the Department of History at Princeton University, however the Postdoctoral Research Associate will have an office at the Institute for Advanced Study, will be eligible for housing on the IAS campus, and will receive a competitive salary along with Princeton University benefits and an annual research fund.