Johns Hopkins University has opened applications for the 2026–2027 DAAD PostDoctoral Fellowship at the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), offering early-career scholars a funded research opportunity in Washington, DC. Hosted by the Henry A. Kissinger Center for Global Affairs, the fellowship focuses on transatlantic relations and world order at a critical moment in global politics.
Applications close on January 14, 2026.
A Prestigious Fellowship at the Center of Global Policy
The DAAD Post-Doctoral Fellowship at SAIS is designed for scholars working on international relations, foreign policy, security studies, history, and political economy. Up to two fellows will be selected for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Fellows will be based in Washington, DC, and fully integrated into the SAIS academic community. The program combines independent research with high-level seminars, peer review sessions, and direct engagement with senior policymakers and leading scholars.
The fellowship is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with support from the German Federal Foreign Office.
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Research Theme: The United States, Europe, and World Order
For the 2026–2027 cycle, the program centers on the theme:
“The roles of the United States and Germany at a crucial moment in world history.”
Fellows are expected to produce at least one research paper on this theme during their residency while continuing work on their broader research agenda. The program emphasizes historically informed analysis of strategy, statecraft, and international security.
In addition to research, fellows will contribute to:
- A German-US conference on international security and transatlantic relations was held in Germany
- A summer workshop in Washington, DC, for early-career academics and policymakers
- Ongoing programming with the Helmut Schmidt Distinguished Visiting Professor
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Funding and Benefits
The fellowship offers a competitive compensation and support package:
- Annual salary: $72,000 (up to $6,000 per month, minus U.S. taxes)
- Duration: 9 to 12 months, between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027
- Research funding: Up to $3,000 for a 12-month stay
- Travel support:
- One round-trip economy airfare to the United States for non-U.S. citizens
- One round-trip economy airfare to Germany for the program conference
- Health coverage: Basic health care package included
- Workspace and resources: Office access, internet, and full use of Johns Hopkins libraries
Health insurance premiums for accompanying dependents may also be covered.
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Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a PhD or be at the postdoctoral level
- Demonstrate strong research capacity
- Be fluent in English
- Be no more than six years beyond dissertation completion (preferred, not required)
Both U.S. and EU citizens are eligible. EU applicants should be affiliated with a German university or research institution and qualify for a J-1 visa.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through Interfolio and include:
- A statement of interest explaining motivation and expected outcomes
- A 3 to 5-page double-spaced research proposal linked to the fellowship theme
- Preferred start and end dates within the fellowship window
- A curriculum vitae
- Contact details for three references
All materials must be submitted by January 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Selected candidates will be notified in February 2026.
Why This Fellowship Stands Out
What sets the SAIS DAAD Post-Doctoral Fellowship apart is its location and access. Fellows conduct research in Washington, DC, while working closely with one of the world’s leading schools of international affairs. The program offers rare exposure to real-world policy debates, senior decision-makers, and a transatlantic academic network.
For scholars focused on U.S.–Europe relations, grand strategy, or international order, this fellowship provides both intellectual depth and practical relevance.
