Stimson South Asia Junior Fellowship — Fellowship

The Stimson South Asia Junior Fellowship is a one-year, full-time position at the Henry L. Stimson Center in Washington, D.C. Junior Fellows support research, publications, events, and program work on deterrence, conflict risks, military modernization, and major-power competition in Southern Asia. They typically contribute to South Asian Voices or the Strategic Learning initiative while developing research, writing, editing, analytical, and project-management skills. The 2026–27 application cycle is closed.

Benefits & funding

Salary of USD 2,083.33 paid twice monthly, based on USD 50,000 per year.
Health insurance and a transit benefit.
Professional development, engagement with scholars and practitioners, participation in policy convenings, and opportunities to conduct, present, and publish research.
A full-time appointment lasting 12 months.

Eligibility

Open to graduating seniors and to people who completed an undergraduate or master’s degree within the past year.
Applicants need a strong background in South Asian politics, economics, or security; strategic or nuclear studies; international relations theory; or another social science.
Required qualities include demonstrated analytical, research, and writing ability, academic excellence, independent work, and teamwork.
Applicants of any nationality may apply, but they must already have authorization to work in the United States for the full 12 months; Stimson does not sponsor visas for this position.
Preferred, rather than mandatory, experience includes precise editing, living or working in South Asia or intercultural settings, Hindi, Urdu, or Mandarin, data science, video editing, communications, social media, and event or project management.

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Application process

1
Prepare a one-page cover letter explaining research interests, career goals, potential contributions to the South Asia Program, and how the fellowship supports long-term growth.
2
Prepare a resume or CV of no more than two pages, unofficial transcripts, and a South Asia politics or security writing sample of no more than two pages.
3
Arrange one recommendation letter from a professor or former employer.
4
Combine all materials except the recommendation letter into one PDF, in the order specified by Stimson, and submit it through the online application system.
5
Ask the recommender to email the recommendation separately by the deadline. Shortlisted applicants may complete research, editing, or writing exercises during interviews.

Program timeline

January 31, 2026
Application materials and recommendation due for the 2026–27 cycle.
Soon after the deadline
Interviews and possible short research, editing, or writing assignments.
Final decisions communicated.
March 2026
Fellowship begins.
Approximately August 2026
Twelve-month fellowship ends.
Approximately July 2027