CITP Emerging Scholars in Technology Policy
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 2025-27 cohort is now open. Please apply here. Candidates are encouraged to apply by Friday, January 10, 2025 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:
(1) how their background and training has prepared them for this position;
(2) 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;
(3) 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 25, 2025.
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 .
Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I have master’s degree?
Yes. We tailor the program to an individual scholar’s background and career goals.
Do I have to be a recent graduate?
Not at all. In particular, the program could be an ideal opportunity for candidates who’ve been working and are looking to change career paths: e.g. from industry to public-interest work or from nonprofits to academia.
Can international people apply, and will my visa be sponsored?
Unfortunately, this position is not eligible for employment related visa sponsorship.
What is the salary?
The salary is comparable to a starting salary in a technology and public policy role. Salaries will be discussed if the candidate is shortlisted for an interview.
Is there a fixed list of courses that program participants will take?
The curriculum is flexible. Participants will work with their faculty mentor to determine the courses that best suit their needs.
Where should I upload my CV, transcript, and Statement of Purpose?
Please upload them in the “other documents” section of the application form.
How long should the Statement of Purpose be?
There is not a required minimum or maximum word count. The typical statement of purpose is two pages long.
Is an academic reference an absolute requirement to apply?
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.
Who should the reference letter writers be?
The letter writers should be people who are able to describe your accomplishments, scholarly potential, strengths & weaknesses, and level of preparedness to succeed in the program. For recent graduates, this will probably be professors. For others, it may be mentors in your organization.
How detailed should the description of potential projects be?
We recommend picking a couple of projects and describing each in a paragraph or two. This doesn’t commit you to working on those projects if you are selected. The purpose is to give us a sense of the topics as well as the style of project you are interested in.
When are candidates interviewed and notified?
Candidates will be notified in mid-April regarding their status.
Are there any formatting requirements?
No, there are no formatting requirements for any of the application materials, i.e., font, word count, format of documents.