The Institute for Advance Study is an independent private institution founded in 1930 to create a community of scholars focused on intellectual inquiry, free from teaching and other university obligations. Each year scholars from around the world apply to come to the Institute to pursue their own research. Those who are chosen are offered a membership for a set period. Members receive access to the extensive resources of the Institute, including offices, access to libraries, subsidized restaurant and housing facilities, and some secretarial services.

The School of Historical Studies supports scholarship in all fields of historical research but is concerned principally with the history of western, near eastern and Asian civilizations, with particular emphasis upon the Greek and Roman world, the history of Europe (medieval, early modern, and modern), the Islamic world, East Asian studies, art history, history of science, and musicology. 

Members may apply for a single term or for the full academic year. The term dates for the 2025-26 academic year are Term I: September 22 - December 19, 2025 and Term II: January 12 - April 10, 2026.

Eligibility requirements include a substantial record of publication and a Ph.D. or equivalent, awarded no later than December 31, 2023.. The School considers the scholar’s academic career stage when evaluating the list of publications. Still, applicants must have at least three substantial articles in print in scholarly publications to be considered eligible. Scholars do not have to have a current institutional affiliation.

Members postdoctoral fellows are required to remain in residence in Princeton during term time. Members’ only other obligation is to pursue their own research. If they wish, they may also participate in seminars and meetings within the Institute, and there are ample opportunities for contacts with scholars at nearby universities.

Qualified candidates of any nationality are invited to apply.