The Princeton Center for Information Technology Policy (CITP) Fellows Program 2027–28 offers a competitive, fully funded, in-person fellowship at Princeton University in the United States.

The programme supports scholars and practitioners conducting research and policy work related to technology and society. Current CITP research focuses on Platforms and Digital Infrastructure, Data Science, AI and Society, and Privacy and Security.

For 2027–28, CITP is recruiting through three fellowship tracks: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Visiting Research Scholar/Visiting Professional, and Microsoft Visiting Research Scholar/Visiting Professor.

Successful Fellows work with Princeton faculty, researchers and other Fellows, contribute to the Centre’s research community and participate in workshops, conferences and other public programmes.

Applications are currently open. The deadline for full consideration is December 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

The Center for Information Technology Policy (CITP) is a research centre at Princeton University focused on understanding and improving the relationship between technology and society.

Its work brings together expertise from technology, engineering, public policy and the social sciences.

The CITP Fellows Program gives researchers and practitioners the opportunity to spend a period at Princeton conducting research and policy work connected to these areas.

Fellows collaborate with members of the CITP community, including:

• Princeton faculty
• Researchers
• Other Fellows
• Students
• Policy experts
• Technology researchers

Fellows also participate in CITP’s public programmes, including workshops, seminars and conferences.

What Does the Fellowship Focus On?

CITP currently identifies three major research areas.

1. Platforms and Digital Infrastructure

This area examines the technologies and infrastructure that support modern digital platforms and services.

Research may involve questions around:

• Digital platforms
• Online infrastructure
• Technology governance
• Decentralised systems
• Digital public infrastructure
• Platform accountability

2. Data Science, AI and Society

This area focuses on how artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies affect individuals, institutions and society.

Possible research questions may involve:

• Artificial intelligence
• Machine learning
• AI governance
• Algorithmic decision-making
• AI and labour
• AI safety
• Social impacts of technology
• Data science
• Responsible AI

3. Privacy and Security

This area explores the relationship between technology, privacy, security and society.

Research may involve:

• Cybersecurity
• Privacy
• Data protection
• Online safety
• Security infrastructure
• Technology regulation
• Privacy-preserving technologies

Applicants should connect their proposed work to CITP’s broader mission rather than treating the fellowship as a general technology research position.

Three Fellowship Tracks

One of the most important things applicants need to understand is that the CITP Fellows Program has three separate tracks.

You may apply for more than one track if you meet the respective requirements.

The postdoctoral track is intended for people who have recently received, or are about to receive, a PhD or doctorate.

Applicants should work on questions related to understanding and improving the relationship between technology and society.

Selected candidates are appointed as postdoctoral research associates.

Duration

The appointment is for one year, with the possibility of annual renewal depending on funding and other requirements.

The anticipated start date is September 1, 2027.

PhD requirement

Candidates must have their PhD or doctorate by the start date of the appointment.

CITP states that official proof of the PhD should be provided by July 1, 2027.

Teaching

Postdoctoral Fellows may have the option to teach. Teaching opportunities depend on course enrolment and approval by Princeton’s Dean of the Faculty.

2. Visiting Research Scholar / Visiting Professional

This track is intended for academics and experienced professionals with an advanced degree.

Examples given by CITP include:

• Lawyers
• Journalists
• Technologists
• Professors
• Former government officials
• Other technology-policy professionals

Applicants must be on leave from their full-time employment during the fellowship.

Academic requirement

Applicants should hold an advanced degree such as:

• MA
• PhD
• JD

Duration

The appointment is approximately nine months.

The expected start date is around September 1, 2027, although CITP indicates some flexibility between May 1 and October 1.

Important employment requirement

Visiting Professional applicants must be able to take leave from their full-time job.

Upon appointment, candidates must provide documentation relating to:

• Current employment
• Leave dates
• Salary

Applicants must also provide information about their financial support during the fellowship, including support from their home institution.

3. Microsoft Visiting Research Scholar / Visiting Professor

This track is designed for academics who are nationally or internationally recognised experts in technology policy.

Applicants must hold a PhD or JD and must be on leave from their home institution.

Duration

The appointment is generally for up to nine months, with an expected start around September.

Contribution to CITP

Applicants are expected to propose how they will contribute to the Centre.

CITP identifies three possible forms of contribution:

1. Teach a course related to their research.
2. Develop and lead a conference or workshop series.
3. Collaborate with existing faculty on research and jointly mentor students or emerging scholars.

Applicants should explain their proposed contribution in their cover letter.

Fellowship Tracks at a Glance

Is the Princeton CITP Fellowship Fully Funded?

Yes.

CITP explicitly describes the 2027–28 Fellows Program as a competitive, fully funded, in-person programme.

However, applicants should understand what “fully funded” means in the context of a research fellowship.

This is a paid fellowship/appointment, rather than a scholarship that pays tuition for a degree programme.

For comparison, Princeton’s university-wide postdoctoral information currently states a minimum annual postdoctoral salary of $65,000, but this should not automatically be interpreted as the confirmed 2027–28 CITP compensation package.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is aimed at advanced researchers, academics and technology-policy professionals.

Your eligibility depends on which track you choose.

You may be a good fit if you are:

• A recent or upcoming PhD graduate researching technology and society.
• A postdoctoral researcher working on AI, technology policy, privacy, security or digital infrastructure.
• A technology-policy professional with an advanced degree.
• A journalist researching technology and its societal impact.
• A lawyer working on technology, privacy, AI or digital policy.
• A technologist whose work intersects with policy or society.
• An academic working on technology-policy questions.
• A recognised technology-policy scholar interested in spending a period at Princeton.

CITP’s current Fellows include researchers from computer science, sociology, journalism, philosophy, law, political science and other fields, illustrating the interdisciplinary nature of the programme.

Age Limit

No specific age limit is stated on the current CITP Fellows Program page.

Minimum Degree Required

The minimum academic qualification depends on the fellowship track.

Postdoctoral Research Associate

You must have recently received, or be about to receive, a PhD or doctorate.

The doctorate must be completed by the start date of the appointment.

Visiting Research Scholar / Visiting Professional

You should hold an advanced degree such as:

• MA
• PhD
• JD

CITP also requires professional applicants to be on leave from their full-time job.

Microsoft Visiting Research Scholar / Visiting Professor

You must hold a:

• PhD, or
• JD

You must also be on leave from your home institution.

Work Experience Requirement

There is no single minimum number of years of work experience that applies across all three tracks.

However, professional experience is particularly relevant for the Visiting Research Scholar/Visiting Professional route.

CITP specifically describes this track as being for academics and professionals, including journalists, lawyers, technologists and former government officials.

For the Microsoft Visiting Research Scholar/Visiting Professor track, applicants are expected to be recognised experts in technology policy.

Can Master’s Students Apply?

Generally, no — not through the standard CITP Fellows tracks.

A current master’s student who has not yet obtained the advanced qualifications required by one of the three tracks would not normally meet the Fellows Program requirements.

The Visiting Research Scholar/Visiting Professional track requires an advanced degree such as an MA, PhD or JD, while the postdoctoral track requires a PhD or doctorate.

If you have a bachelor’s degree and are looking for an opportunity at CITP, the Emerging Scholars Program is a separate programme designed for people with a bachelor’s degree. CITP currently lists applications for its 2027–29 Emerging Scholars cohort as open.

Can International Applicants Apply?

Yes. The programme is not described as being restricted to U.S. citizens.

International applicants can apply, subject to the eligibility requirements of their selected track and applicable U.S. immigration rules.

However, visa arrangements differ between appointments.

For example, CITP states that its postdoctoral positions are not eligible for sponsorship of an H-1B visa requiring consular processing, although other visa sponsorship may be available as appropriate.

International applicants should therefore review the immigration information carefully before accepting an appointment.

Application Requirements

The exact materials vary by track.

Applicants should prepare a strong research-focused application that clearly explains their academic or professional background and proposed work.

The application is centred on the candidate’s research background, fit with CITP and relevant research interests.

Candidates should carefully review the track-specific application instructions linked from the official CITP page.

CITP specifically requests:

• Current curriculum vitae
• Research statement
• Cover letter
• Background and interest in the programme
• Salary requirements
• Breakdown of financial support expected during the fellowship

Professional applicants must also be prepared to provide proof of:

• Employment
• Leave dates
• Salary

from their home institution when appointed.

Applicants should submit:

• Current CV
• Research statement
• Cover letter
• Salary requirements
• Relevant information about financial support

The cover letter should also explain how the applicant plans to contribute to CITP.

For example, if proposing to teach, applicants should provide potential course topics and a sample syllabus and reading list.

If proposing a conference or workshop series, applicants should explain the proposed series, potential speakers, audience and expected output.

If proposing collaborative research, applicants should describe the research project and potential mentoring opportunities.

How to Apply

Step 1: Choose the appropriate fellowship track

Review the three tracks and determine which one best matches your academic or professional background.

You may apply to more than one track.

Step 2: Review CITP research areas

Make sure your proposed research connects meaningfully with areas such as:

• AI and society
• Data science
• Privacy
• Security
• Digital infrastructure
• Technology policy
• Platforms

Step 3: Prepare your research statement

Explain what you want to investigate, why the research matters and how it contributes to technology-policy discussions.

Step 4: Prepare your CV and cover letter

Your application should demonstrate your academic or professional record and explain why CITP is the right environment for your work.

Step 5: Submit the application online

Use the application link for your chosen track provided on the official CITP Fellows Program page.

Step 6: Submit by the full-consideration deadline

For the 2027–28 cycle, submit your application by:

December 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Applications submitted after this date may still technically be accepted, but they will only be reviewed if positions remain after the on-time applications have been considered.

Application Timeline

Why December 7 matters

Although the online application remains available until April 30, 2027, applicants should not wait until April.

CITP states that applications submitted after December 7 will only be reviewed if positions remain open after the initial pool of applications has been considered.

Therefore, Potenue recommends treating:

December 7, 2026

as the real deadline for applicants who want full consideration.

What Happens After Selection?

Selected Fellows join the CITP community at Princeton University.

Depending on the track, Fellows:

• Conduct research.
• Collaborate with Princeton faculty and researchers.
• Engage with other Fellows.
• Participate in workshops and conferences.
• Contribute to CITP’s public programmes.
• Potentially teach or organise academic events, depending on the track.

The programme is designed around in-person collaboration, so successful applicants are expected to work from the Princeton campus rather than participate remotely.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Princeton CITP Fellows Program 2027–28 open?

Yes. Applications opened on October 14, 2026.

2. What is the deadline?

The deadline for full consideration is December 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

3. Can I apply after December 7?

Technically, yes. The online application remains open until April 30, 2027. However, applications submitted after December 7 are considered only if positions remain after the initial applications have been reviewed.

4. Is the Princeton CITP Fellowship fully funded?

Yes. CITP explicitly describes the Fellows Program as a fully funded programme.

5. How much is the fellowship stipend?

CITP’s current 2027–28 Fellows Program page does not publish a specific compensation amount. Applicants should review the appointment-specific compensation information during the application and hiring process.

6. Is the fellowship online?

No. The programme is in person at Princeton University.

7. Can I apply for multiple tracks?

Yes. Applicants may apply for more than one fellowship track.

8. Can a PhD student apply?

Yes, if the student will have completed the PhD or doctorate by the start of the postdoctoral appointment.

CITP requires official proof of the doctorate by July 1, 2027.

9. Can master’s graduates apply?

Potentially, through the Visiting Research Scholar/Visiting Professional track, which accepts advanced degrees such as an MA, provided the applicant meets the other requirements, including the relevant professional or academic circumstances.

10. Do visiting professionals need to leave their jobs?

Yes. The Visiting Research Scholar/Visiting Professional track requires professionals to be on leave from their full-time employment.

11. Do Microsoft Visiting Professors have to teach?

Teaching is one of the three possible ways the Microsoft Visiting Research Scholar/Visiting Professor can contribute to CITP. Other options include leading a conference/workshop series or collaborating with faculty on research and mentoring.

12. Is there an age limit?

No specific age limit is listed on the current CITP Fellows Program page.

13. Do I need technology or computer science experience?

Not necessarily. CITP is interdisciplinary and brings together researchers and professionals from technology, engineering, public policy and social sciences.

The key is that your work should connect meaningfully with the relationship between technology and society.

14. Can journalists apply?

Yes. CITP explicitly lists journalists among the types of professionals who may apply through the Visiting Research Scholar/Visiting Professional track, provided they meet the track’s requirements.

15. Can lawyers apply?

Yes. Lawyers with an appropriate advanced degree and relevant work can be considered for the Visiting Research Scholar/Visiting Professional track.

Official Links

• Official CITP Fellows Program: Princeton CITP Fellows Program
• 2027–28 Application Announcement: 2027–28 Fellows Program Applications Are Now Open
• CITP Hiring Page: Princeton CITP Hiring
• Princeton Center for Information Technology Policy: CITP Official Website

Final Note

The Princeton CITP Fellows Program 2027–28 is a highly competitive opportunity for researchers and experienced professionals working at the intersection of technology and society.

Its strongest advantage is not simply the Princeton name. Fellows become part of an interdisciplinary research environment where technology, AI, public policy, privacy, security and digital infrastructure are studied together.

However, this is not an entry-level scholarship. Applicants should have an advanced academic or professional profile that matches one of the three fellowship tracks.

If you are a recent PhD graduate, technology-policy researcher, journalist, lawyer, technologist or established academic working on technology and society, this is an opportunity worth serious consideration.

For full consideration, submit your application by December 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

How Potenue Can Help You

Potenue helps students, researchers, graduates and professionals discover scholarships, fellowships, internships, research positions, PhD opportunities, grants and other global opportunities.

You can explore opportunities by category, check eligibility requirements, compare funding information and find programmes that match your academic or professional background.

Discover your next opportunity on Potenue and take the next step towards realizing your potential.