Crane Fellowship in Law and Public Policy (2026–27)

Crane Fellowship in Law and Public Policy is now open. The Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) invites applications for the 2026–27 academic year. This full-time, in-person visiting fellowship is designed for legal scholars actively engaged in research and writing on contemporary issues at the intersection of law and public policy.

The anticipated start date is on or about September 1, 2026, and fellows are expected to be based on campus at Princeton University throughout the academic year. Successful candidates will pursue an independent research project while contributing to the vibrant intellectual life of SPIA.

Fellowship Experience

Crane Fellows are expected to:

• Conduct and advance a self-directed research project related to law and public policy
• Participate actively in SPIA’s academic community, including a weekly works-in-progress lunch seminar with Princeton faculty and visiting scholars
• Conceive and organize an interdisciplinary Problem-Solving Workshop focused on a policy challenge connected to their research
• Engage with scholars across disciplines in an environment that supports rigorous, policy-relevant scholarship

While no teaching is required, fellows receive guidance and staff support to design and host their workshop, with meeting space available on Princeton’s campus or at SPIA facilities in Washington, D.C.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Hold a JD degree or equivalent
• Demonstrate a strong record of research publications appropriate to their career stage
• Typically hold a full-time law faculty position at a university or college
• Propose a research project of clear scholarly significance and policy relevance

Compensation and Benefits

• Expected salary range: USD 90,000 (full-time, subject to qualifications and experience)
• Comprehensive benefits package available to eligible fellows

Application Timeline

• Application period opens: October 1, 2025
• Application deadline: January 15, 2026 (11:59 p.m. EST)
• Reference letters deadline: February 1, 2026 (if submitted)
• Decisions announced: March 2026

Application Materials

Applicants must submit an online application including:

1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum vitae
3. One scholarly paper written within the past three years
4. A project statement (maximum 1,500 words) describing the proposed research
5. Contact information for three referees able to comment on the applicant’s scholarly work

All materials must be submitted online by the application deadline. Referees will be contacted directly by Princeton University.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through Princeton University’s academic positions portal.

For questions or additional information, applicants may contact:
mindaalena@princeton.edu

Princeton University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community.

 

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The Crane Fellowship in Law and Public Policy at Princeton University offers legal scholars a full-time, in-person opportunity to advance policy-relevant research during the 2026–27 academic year. With no teaching requirement, strong institutional support, competitive compensation, and deep engagement with an interdisciplinary academic community, the fellowship is ideal for established and mid-career legal academics seeking to contribute meaningfully to contemporary law and public policy debates. Applications close on January 15, 2026.

For more opportunities, click here.