A prestigious, fully paid post-doctoral research opportunity has officially opened for the 2026–2027 academic year, inviting early-career scholars from around the world to conduct high-impact policy research in the heart of global diplomacy. The 2026–2027 DAAD Post-Doctoral Fellowships hosted at the Johns Hopkins University through its Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) will remain open for applications until January 14, 2026, offering a rare chance to work at the intersection of academic research, international affairs, and real-world policy engagement.
This article explains what this fellowship is, who it is designed for, what financial and professional support it offers, how scholars will be engaged during the program, and the exact deadlines applicants must meet to be considered for the 2026–2027 cohort.
What Type of Opportunity Is This?
The DAAD Post-Doctoral Fellowship at SAIS is a full-time, salaried post-doctoral research fellowship funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with support from the German Federal Foreign Office. For the 2026–2027 academic cycle, up to two fellows will be selected to spend 9 to 12 months in Washington, D.C., conducting advanced research on transatlantic relations and global order.
The fellowship runs between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027, with flexible start dates up to October 1, 2026, allowing scholars to align the fellowship with their academic timelines.
Research Focus for 2026–2027 Cohort
During the 2026–2027 academic year, fellows will concentrate on the theme:
“The United States, Europe, and World Order”, with particular attention to the evolving roles of the United States and Germany at a critical moment in global history.
Fellows will be fully integrated into the SAIS academic environment and affiliated with the Henry A. Kissinger Center for Global Affairs, where they will participate in high-level seminars, peer-reviewed research discussions, and direct engagement with senior policymakers and leading scholars in international security, geostrategy, and statecraft.
Each fellow is expected to complete a substantial research paper aligned with the program theme while continuing their independent research agenda.
What the Fellowship Offers?
This fellowship is designed to remove financial barriers while maximizing academic exposure and policy engagement. Selected fellows will receive a comprehensive professional package that includes:
- Annual stipend of up to USD 72,000 (approximately USD 6,000 per month, before U.S. taxes)
- Research funding of up to USD 3,000 for a 12-month stay
- Economy-class round-trip airfare to the United States for non-U.S. citizens
- Additional economy-class airfare to Germany for participation in the German-US conference
- Basic health care coverage, with dependent health premiums covered if applicable
- Access to office space, computing facilities, high-speed internet, and Johns Hopkins libraries
- Direct involvement in a German-US conference in Germany and a summer workshop on grand strategy and international security in Washington, D.C.
While fellows are responsible for arranging their own accommodation and daily living expenses, the salary level is designed to comfortably support professional life in Washington, D.C.
Who Should Apply: Eligibility Checks
This opportunity targets early-career researchers with strong academic trajectories in international affairs, political science, security studies, history, or closely related disciplines. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a completed doctorate or be at the post-doctoral stage at the time of application
- Demonstrate strong research capacity and scholarly independence
- Be fully fluent in English, both written and spoken
- Be within six years of completing their PhD, with some flexibility for exceptional candidates
- EU and U.S. citizens are eligible to apply
- EU applicants should be currently affiliated with a German university or research institution and eligible for a J-1 visa
The selection committee places strong emphasis on scholarly merit, thematic relevance, and the applicant’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the SAIS and Kissinger Center intellectual community.
Apply: https://facultyjobs.jhu.edu/Home/Position?reqId=A-177831-36
Application Timeline
The application process is competitive and strictly time-bound.
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Application Closing Date:
The last date to apply for the 2026–2027 DAAD Post-Doctoral Fellowship at SAIS is January 14, 2026, with all materials due by 11:59 PM U.S. Eastern Time. -
Notification of Results:
Successful applicants will be informed of their selection in February 2026. -
Fellowship Start Window:
The fellowship begins between July 1 and October 1, 2026 and concludes on June 30, 2027, with the possibility of a one-year renewal upon mutual agreement.