South Asia Program Junior Fellowship

Overview

The Henry L. Stimson Center's South Asia Program welcomes applications from graduating seniors or individuals who have completed their undergraduate or master's degree in the past year for its  cohort of Junior Fellows
.

The one-year, full-time fellowship will provide individuals with a unique opportunity to expand their knowledge of security issues in the subcontinent, engage with the South Asia policy community in Washington and the region, and experience working at a dynamic think tank that provides close interaction with senior staff and researchers. Junior Fellows will receive a salary for the full year, as well as health insurance and transit benefits for the duration of the fellowship.

All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States for the full twelve months of the fellowship, and Stimson will not provide sponsorship for any visas.

Junior Fellows will support the Stimson South Asia Program's efforts to research, analyze, and inform policymakers about the evolving dynamics of deterrence, conflict risks, military modernization, and great‑power competition in Southern Asia. Fellows will support programmatic efforts including South Asian Voices and/or the Strategic Learning initiative, assist with public events, workshops, and research for publications, represent Stimson at scholarly and policy convenings, and hone technical and analytical skills.

• A strong background in South Asian politics, economics, or security; strategic studies and nuclear issues; international relations theory; or other social sciences.
• Demonstrated analytical, research, and writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and to collaborate with peers in a team environment.
• A record of academic excellence.
• Existing U.S. work authorization for the full 12 months of the Fellowship.
• Precise editing skills (work experience in a university writing center or newspaper a plus).
• Experience living/working in South Asia and/or working in intercultural settings.
• Data science skills.
• Social media and communications experience/skills.
• Event and/or project management experience.

• A one‑page cover letter outlining the candidate's research interests and career goals, and explaining how they can contribute to the mission of the Stimson South Asia Program and how the Fellowship would contribute to their long‑term professional growth.
• A curriculum vitae or resume (two‑page maximum) including all educational qualifications, study abroad experience, and extracurricular activities, as well as any work experience to date.
• Unofficial transcripts with an academic record of undergraduate and master's coursework.
• One letter of recommendation from a professor or former employer explaining what qualifications, skills, and experiences make the candidate a good fit for the Fellowship.
• A writing sample of no more than two pages on a topic related to South Asian political or security issues.

Letters of recommendation should be emailed directly to southasiaadmin with the subject line "Stimson South Asia Junior Fellowship – Last name of the applicant." All other application materials should be submitted as a single PDF document in the order outlined above and titled "Junior Fellowship Application Materials – Last name of applicant" through Stimson's online application system.

Completed applications are due January 31, 2026. Interviews will be conducted soon after, and final decisions will be communicated in March. Applicants selected for interviews may be required to complete one or more short research, editing, and/or writing assignments as part of the interview process. The Fellowship will begin in Summer 2026 and continue for 12 months.

Stimson is an equal opportunity employer that celebrates, supports, and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. We will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable laws.

• Eligibility:
  Graduating seniors or individuals who completed their undergraduate or master's studies no earlier than May 2025, with a demonstrated interest in South Asian peace, strategic, and security issues.
• Citizenship:
  Applicants do not need to be U.S. citizens, but must have proof of eligibility for employment in the United States for the full 12 months of the Fellowship.
• Final date to receive applications:
  All application materials, including the letter of recommendation, are due January 31, 2026 and should be submitted through the online application platform.
• Notification:
  All candidates will be notified of their selection or non‑selection.
• Start Date:
  
  The Fellowship will roughly begin in August 2026 and continue through July 2027.