DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship opportunities for the 2026–27 academic year are now open at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Johns Hopkins University, in Washington, D.C. This prestigious fellowship supports advanced postdoctoral research focused on The United States, Europe, and World Order, offering scholars the chance to work at one of the world’s leading institutions for international affairs. Up to two fellows will be selected for a research residency lasting between 9 and 12 months, scheduled anytime from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
Selected fellows will be hosted by the Henry A. Kissinger Center for Global Affairs, where they will engage closely with a diverse academic community of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. The fellowship promotes rigorous, historically grounded research, meaningful academic exchange, and strong transatlantic collaboration. Funding for this program is provided by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), with support from the German Federal Foreign Office, ensuring fellows can focus fully on their research and professional development.
Benefits
Each DAAD Post-Doctoral Fellow will receive:
- Monthly salary up to $6,000 (minus U.S. taxes)
- A basic health care package
- Workspace, computer, internet access, and full use of JHU library resources
- Research funding up to $3,000 (for 12-month stays)
- One economy-class roundtrip airfare (for non-U.S. citizens)
- Roundtrip airfare to the Germany conference
- Health benefit coverage for dependents ($560/month for one dependent, $880/month for more)
Accommodation and living expenses must be covered independently.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Hold a doctorate or be at the post-doctorate level
- Demonstrate strong research capacity
- Be fluent in English
- Open to all nationalities, with EU and U.S. citizens encouraged to apply
- For EU citizens:
- Be affiliated with a German university or research institution
- Be eligible for a J-1 visa
- Preference is given to applicants within 6 years of completing their PhD, though others may still apply.
Required Documents for DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship
- A statement of interest outlining why you are applying and what you hope to get out of this fellowship.
- A 3 to 5-page double-spaced research statement that proposes a research project, including its relevance to the theme “The United States, Europe and World Order.”
- Preferred appointment start and end dates, between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027.
- A curriculum vitae.
- Three references with contact information.
How to Apply?
- Gather all required documents: statement of interest, 3–5 page research statement, CV, preferred appointment dates, and contact details for three references.
- Create an Interfolio account if you don’t have one already.
- Log in to the Interfolio portal and start a new application for the DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship.
- Upload all documents in the correct sections of the application form, ensuring your files are clear and well-formatted.
- Provide the contact information of three referees; Interfolio will notify them to submit their letters directly.
- Review your application carefully to make sure all fields are complete and documents uploaded correctly.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship provides up to two scholars a 9 to12 month research residency at Johns Hopkins SAIS, focusing on The United States, Europe, and World Order, with applications, documents, and references submitted via Interfolio before January 14, 2026.
What is the DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship?
The DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship at Johns Hopkins SAIS allows scholars to conduct advanced research on The United States, Europe, and World Order. It offers a 9–12 month residency at the Henry A. Kissinger Center for Global Affairs, integrating fellows into a top academic environment.
Who is eligible for the DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship?
Applicants for the DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship must hold a doctorate or be at the postdoctoral level, demonstrate research capacity, and be fluent in English.
Candidates of all nationalities are welcome, with preference given to scholars within six years of completing their PhD, while EU and U.S. citizens are encouraged.
What documents are required for the DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship?
To apply for the DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship, applicants need a statement of interest, a 3–5 page research statement, CV, preferred dates, and three references.
These materials must clearly explain the project’s relevance to The United States, Europe, and World Order and include referees’ contact information.
How do I apply for the DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship?
Applications for the DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship are submitted via Interfolio. Candidates create an account, start a new application, and upload all required documents.
References are notified directly to submit letters. All applications must be reviewed carefully before submission.
What is the application deadline for the DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship?
The application deadline for the DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026–2027 is January 14, 2026. All required documents and references must be submitted through Interfolio before this date to ensure the application is considered.
How long is the DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship?
The DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship provides a 9–12 month research residency, with flexible start and end dates between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027.
This flexibility allows fellows to coordinate their schedules while fully participating in academic research and activities.
What research areas does the DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship support?
The DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship supports research on The United States, Europe, and World Order, encouraging interdisciplinary approaches.
Applicants should propose projects that advance transatlantic studies and contribute to scholarship in international affairs.
How many DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowships are awarded each year?
Up to two DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowships are awarded annually at Johns Hopkins SAIS.
This selective program ensures each fellow receives substantial mentorship, access to resources, and full integration into the research community.
Are references required for the DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship?
Yes, applicants for the DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship must provide three referees with contact information, who will submit recommendation letters via Interfolio.
These letters evaluate research skills, academic achievements, and the candidate’s suitability for the fellowship.
Where is the DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship hosted?
The DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship is hosted at the Henry A. Kissinger Center for Global Affairs, Johns Hopkins SAIS, Washington, D.C.
Fellows gain access to library resources, workspace, computers, internet, and opportunities to collaborate with scholars and visiting experts.
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