The Paul H. Nitze School for Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University, in partnership with DAAD, is inviting applications for the 2026-2027 DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship. Located in Washington, D.C., and affiliated with the Henry A. Kissinger Center for Global Affairs, the fellowship focuses on “The United States, Europe, and World Order.” Up to two fellows will be selected for a 9-to-12-month residency. Benefits include a $6,000 monthly salary, research funding, and travel stipends. Applicants must be EU or U.S. citizens with a doctorate, prioritizing those within six years of dissertation completion. The application deadline is January 14, 2026.
DAAD SAIS Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026-2027 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Johns Hopkins University (SAIS) |
| Location | Washington, D.C., USA |
| Fellowship Term | 9 to 12 Months (July 2026 – June 2027) |
| Monthly Salary | $6,000 (minus U.S. taxes) |
| Research Budget | Up to $3,000 |
| Target Group | EU & U.S. Postdoctoral Scholars |
| Application Deadline | January 14, 2026 |
DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship at SAIS Details
The DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship at the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) offers a premier platform for scholars to engage with the pressing issues of global statecraft and transatlantic relations. Affiliated with the Henry A. Kissinger Center for Global Affairs, fellows are immersed in a high-level academic community where they collaborate with leading scholars and senior foreign policy practitioners.
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For the 2026-2027 cycle, the program emphasizes the roles of the United States and Germany during critical shifts in world history. Fellows are not only expected to advance their own research but also to contribute to a collaborative German-US conference and a grand strategy workshop. This residency in Washington, D.C., provides unparalleled access to the world’s most significant policy-making hubs and academic archives.
Benefits and Specific Scholarship Awards of the DAAD SAIS
The fellowship provides a robust financial package designed to support full-time research in the United States.
Tier 1: Core Financial Stipend & Research Funding
- Monthly Salary: A competitive stipend of $6,000 per month for the duration of the fellowship (up to 12 months).
- Research Grant: Up to $3,000 in additional funding to support specific research activities and data collection.
- Travel Support: One economy class roundtrip airfare to Washington, D.C., and an additional roundtrip airfare for a mandatory conference in Germany.
Tier 2: Institutional Access & Infrastructure
- Workspace: Access to a shared workspace and computer at the SAIS campus in Washington, D.C.
- Academic Resources: Full access to Johns Hopkins University libraries, digital databases, and specialized facilities.
- Networking: Integration into high-level seminars, peer review sessions, and direct engagement with global statecraft experts.
Tier 3: Health & Family Benefits
- Health Coverage: A basic health care package for the fellow, with premiums for accompanying dependents covered ($560/month for one, $880/month for multiple).
- Professional Development: Participation in summer workshops on grand strategy and international security for early-career academics.
Eligibility Requirements for DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026-2027 at Johns Hopkins SAIS
- Academic/Leadership: Applicants must hold a doctorate (post-doctorate level) with a demonstrated capacity for high-level research.
- Citizenship: Open to EU and U.S. citizens. EU citizens must be affiliated with a German university or research institution.
- Language Proficiency: Candidates must be fully fluent in English to participate in seminars and draft policy-relevant papers.
- Visa Requirement: International fellows must be eligible for a J-1 visa to conduct research in the United States.
How to Apply for DAAD Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026-2027 at Johns Hopkins SAIS (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program: Prepare a statement of interest and a 3-to-5-page research statement focused on the theme “The United States, Europe, and World Order.”
- Document Preparation: Update your C.V. and secure three academic references with full contact information.
- Eligibility Assessment: The selection committee prioritizes applicants within 6 years of completing their dissertation.
- Notification of Award: Successful candidates will be selected for appointments starting between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027.
Application Deadline: January 14, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the theme of the 2026-2027 DAAD SAIS Fellowship?
The primary theme is “The United States, Europe, and World Order,” focusing on the roles of the U.S. and Germany.
2. Can non-EU/U.S. citizens apply?
The eligibility is currently limited to citizens of the European Union and the United States.
3. What is the duration of the fellowship?
Fellowships are awarded for a minimum of nine and a maximum of twelve months.
4. Is housing provided in Washington, D.C.?
No, fellows are expected to manage their own accommodation and living expenses using their $6,000 monthly salary.
5. Are there benefits for dependents?
Yes, the program covers health benefit premiums for dependents (one or more) at specified monthly rates.
6. Do I need to be a recent PhD graduate?
While preference is given to those within six years of their dissertation, all qualified postdoctoral scholars may apply.
7. What is the required length of the research statement?
The statement should be between 3 to 5 pages, double-spaced.
8. Will I be required to travel to Germany?
Yes, fellows work on a German-US conference that takes place in Germany, with airfare provided.
9. Where is the fellowship hosted?
It is hosted at the School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, D.C.
10. When is the deadline to apply?
Applications must be submitted by January 14, 2026.
