The Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University is inviting applications for the prestigious 2026–2027 DAAD Post-Doctoral Fellowships, hosted in Washington, D.C. This exceptional opportunity supports advanced research on “The United States, Europe, and World Order” and integrates fellows into one of the world’s leading centers for international affairs scholarship.
About the Fellowship
Up to two post-doctoral fellowships will be awarded for a 9–12 month residency between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027, with applicants free to select their preferred start and end dates.
Fellows will be fully embedded within the Henry A. Kissinger Center for Global Affairs, joining a vibrant community of scholars and practitioners engaged in cutting-edge research on global strategy, diplomacy, and statecraft. The program emphasizes historically informed analysis, high-level engagement, and transatlantic collaboration.
This fellowship is generously funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with support from the German Federal Foreign Office.
Research Theme 2026–2027
Fellows will focus on “the roles of the United States and Germany at a crucial moment in world history.”
They will participate in:
- High-level seminars and peer review sessions
- Direct engagement with senior foreign policy practitioners
- A German–US conference on international security and strategy
- A Washington, D.C. summer workshop for early-career academics and policymakers
Each fellow is expected to produce a substantial research paper connected to the annual theme, while continuing work on their ongoing academic projects.
Funding & 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 Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a doctorate or be at the post-doctorate level
- Demonstrate strong research capacity
- Be fluent in English
- Be EU or U.S. citizens
- 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.
Application Instructions
Applications must be submitted in English through Interfolio by:
Deadline: January 14, 2026, 11:59 PM EST
Required materials:
- Statement of interest
- 3–5 page research statement on the theme
- Preferred start and end dates (between July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027)
- Curriculum vitae
- Three references with contact details
Applicants will be notified of decisions in February 2026.
The fellowship runs July 1 – October 1, 2026 (start date) through June 30, 2027, with possible renewal for an additional 12 months by mutual agreement.
For more information, visit the program website, the Kissinger Center page
