The DAAD Post-Doctoral Fellowship 2026-27 at Johns Hopkins University, hosted by the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, D.C., is a prestigious international research fellowship for early-career scholars working in international relations, global affairs, security studies, and world order. Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) with the support of the German Federal Foreign Office, this fellowship provides post-doctoral researchers with an exceptional platform to conduct high-level research in one of the world’s most influential academic and policy environments.

For scholars interested in transatlantic relations, global governance, international security, and historically informed statecraft, this fellowship offers not only competitive financial support but also deep integration into the academic life of Johns Hopkins University, one of the world’s top-ranked institutions.

About Johns Hopkins University and SAIS

Johns Hopkins University consistently ranks among the world’s top universities for research, international studies, and public policy. Its School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) is globally renowned for producing leaders in diplomacy, international economics, security, and global governance.

The fellowship is affiliated with the Henry A. Kissinger Center for Global Affairs, a flagship research center within SAIS. The Kissinger Center brings together distinguished scholars and practitioners to address pressing global challenges by combining historical insight with rigorous strategic analysis. Fellows benefit from access to influential policymakers, senior diplomats, and leading academics based in Washington, D.C.

DAAD Post-Doctoral Fellowship 2026-27 – Overview 

Item	Details
Fellowship Name	DAAD Post-Doctoral Fellowship
Academic Year	2026–2027
Host Institution	Johns Hopkins University (SAIS)
Location	Washington, D.C., USA
Funding Organization	DAAD
Salary	Up to USD 72,000 per year
Duration	9 to 12 months
Start Period	July 1 – October 1, 2026
Research Theme	The United States, Europe, and World Order
Application Deadline	January 14, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Research Focus and Academic Environment

During the 2026–2027 academic year, fellows will focus on the theme:

“The roles of the United States and Germany at a crucial moment in world history.”

DAAD Post-Doctoral Fellows are fully embedded in the SAIS academic community and actively participate in:

• High-level research seminars
• Peer review and discussion sessions
• Engagements with senior foreign policy practitioners
• Collaborative activities with leading scholars of world order and statecraft

Each fellow is expected to complete a research paper related to the fellowship theme while also continuing work on their independent research agenda.

In addition, fellows will contribute to:

• A German-US conference on international security and transatlantic relations in Germany
• A summer workshop on grand strategy and international security in Washington, D.C.
• Activities linked to the Helmut Schmidt Distinguished Visiting Professorship

Fellowship Benefits and Financial Support

The DAAD Post-Doctoral Fellowship provides generous financial and professional support:

• Monthly salary of up to USD 6,000 (minus U.S. taxes)
• Total annual salary up to USD 72,000
• Access to office space, computer facilities, and internet
• Full access to Johns Hopkins University libraries and research resources
• Basic health care package for fellows
• Economy-class round-trip airfare for non-US citizens
• Research funding of up to USD 3,000 for a 12-month stay
• Round-trip airfare to the fellowship-related conference in Germany
• Health insurance support for dependents
• Coverage of health premiums for accompanying dependents

Accommodation and daily living expenses are the responsibility of the fellow.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a doctorate or be at the post-doctoral level
• Demonstrated strong research capacity and academic output
• Fluency in English
• EU and U.S. citizens are eligible to apply
• EU citizens must be affiliated with a German university or research institution
• Eligibility for a J-1 visa (for non-US citizens)
• Preference given to applicants within six years of completing their PhD

Researchers beyond six years post-PhD may still apply and will be considered.

Application Requirements

Each applicant must submit the following documents in English:

• Statement of interest explaining motivation and expected outcomes
• Research statement (3–5 pages, double-spaced) aligned with the fellowship theme
• Preferred fellowship start and end dates
• Detailed curriculum vitae
• Contact details for three academic or professional references

You must submite all materials through Interfolio before the deadline.

Application Timeline

• Fellowship application deadline: January 14, 2026
• Shortlisting and review: January–February 2026
• Notification of results: February 2026
• Fellowship start window: July 1 – October 1, 2026
• Fellowship conclusion: June 30, 2027

There is a possibility of renewal for an additional 12 months by mutual agreement.

Comparison with Similar Post-Doctoral Fellowships

Fellowship	Host	Funding	Duration
DAAD Post-Doctoral Fellowship (SAIS)	Johns Hopkins University	Up to USD 72,000	9–12 months
Humboldt Research Fellowship	Germany	Monthly stipend	6–24 months
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship	Europe	Salary-based	Up to 3 years
Princeton Post-Doctoral Fellowship	USA	Salary-based	1–3 years

More Information About DAAD Post-Doctoral Fellowship 2026-27

1. Who should apply for this DAAD Post-Doctoral Fellowship? Early-career researchers in international relations, global affairs, security studies, or related fields.
2. Is this fellowship fully funded? Yes, it provides a competitive salary, research funding, health benefits, and travel support.
3. Can non-EU researchers apply? Yes, both EU and U.S. citizens are welcome, subject to visa eligibility.
4. Is teaching required during the fellowship? You don’t need any formal teaching, but you should engage in academics.
5. What is the main research theme? The roles of the United States and Germany in shaping world order.
6. Can I choose my start date? Yes, applicants indicate preferred start and end dates within the allowed period.
7. Are dependents allowed? Yes, it can cover health premiums for accompanying dependents.
8. Is the fellowship renewable? Yes, it may be renewed for an additional 12 months upon agreement.
9. Where will the fellowship be based? At Johns Hopkins University SAIS in Washington, D.C.
10. How competitive is the fellowship? Highly competitive, with only up to two fellowships awarded per year.

If you are an early-career scholar aiming to conduct policy-relevant research at one of the world’s top institutions, the DAAD Post-Doctoral Fellowship 2026–2027 at Johns Hopkins University is an outstanding opportunity. Start preparing your research proposal early and submit a strong application before the January 2026 deadline. APPLY NOW. Visit the official website for further details.

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