This FAQ was intended to assist applicants in the 2024-25 proposal cycle. While the basic information is relevant for future years, the details on this page will be updated at the beginning of 2025 for the 2025-26 application cycle.
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Applications are now under review for the 2024-25 cycle.
What is the deadline for application? For fullest consideration, applicants should submit all materials through the University's academic hiring site by April 15, 2024.
What is the start date? The 2024-25 program is designed to begin in fall 2024. Flexibility may be possible for those with situations necessitating a later start.
This program is called a "residency." Do I need to move to Princeton? Residents should plan to be on campus throughout the appointment period to facilitate meaningful engagement with Princeton faculty, fellows, and students, who, the hope is, will benefit from the Resident's knowledge and applied approach. The Resident will be given an office and will have a Princeton mentor who will connect them to experts and resources as needed. Please note that neither relocation assistance nor housing is provided.
Does this appointment come with benefits? The appointment is made by the Office of the Dean of the Faculty at either the rank of Professional Specialist, Postdoctoral Research Associate, or--for those returning to other institutions after this appointment--Visiting Research Scholar or Visiting Professional Specialist. All ranks are benefits-eligible positions with slightly different options. Learn more about benefits here.
What kind of projects are most appealing to the Center? There is no pre-conceived notion of what Sugarman Residents will bring to the program. The ideal Sugarman Resident will be pursuing a breakthrough solution to a society-relevant problem, the success of which depends on understanding certain aspects of human behavior, and which could benefit from the support, guidance, and mentorship of members of Princeton's academic community. The Practitioners in Residence we envision may range from young entrepreneurs, app developers, leaders of non-governmental organizations, and policy wonks, to activists, climate scientists, leaders of social, cultural, or health-related movements, architects, designers, urban planners, and so on.
I have a product or service that I want to take to market. Are commercial projects acceptable? Yes.
I have a research project underway or have an idea for a new research project. Is this something that can be funded through this residency? We are not looking for research proposals; projects should be designed to yield a product, app, campaign, or other constructive intervention. Research can certainly be used to inform the development process, but the final product should not be a research publication.
What about intellectual property? Intellectual property that the Practitioner-in-Residence creates or develops during the appointment is subject to Princeton’s policies. As such, in the event that any invention or other licensable intellectual property is made or developed over the course of the project, Princeton's Office of Technology Licensing will work with the Practitioner-in-Residence on a case-by-case basis to develop the terms.
I'm not a U.S. citizen. May I apply? Applicants need not be U.S. citizens. The application will cover the documentation necessary for international applicants.
Do I need to supply you with letters of recommendation? The names and contact information of up to three individuals who could speak to your past experience may be requested of finalists. You do not need to include this information with your application.
If I'm not selected this time around, can I apply again? Yes, applicants may reapply for the next cohort cycle. At this time, we anticipate the next ten-month residency to begin in August/September 2025 with a call for applications in early Spring 2025.
How do I apply? The application should include a clearly stated problem and proposed approach, where the applicant hypothesizes that the gap between the current state of affairs and an improved future could be solved by addressing some aspect of human motivation, judgment, decision, perception, etc. - whether individual or collective. The problem statement should also include an outline of the steps that the applicant envisions to work through during the residency, the anticipated outcome if successful, and the types of local experts whose insights may prove fruitful. Applicants must apply through the University's online academic hiring portal. Please submit your proposed project statement (as described above, not to exceed 5 pages), a current resume or curriculum vitae outlining past projects undertaken, and a cover letter describing your background, interest in the program. If you have any questions about this position or the application process, please feel free to contact Leslie Rowley at [email protected]. All offers and appointments are subject to review and approval by the Dean of the Faculty.