South Asia Program Junior Fellowship

South Asia Program Junior Fellowship

The Henry L. Stimson Center's South Asia Program welcomes applications from highly motivated graduating seniors or individuals who have completed their undergraduate or master's degree in the past year for its 2026-2027 cohort of Junior Fellows.

Purpose

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, as well as assisting with public events, workshops, and research for publications. They will receive professional development opportunities, engage with leading scholars and practitioners in the field, represent Stimson at scholarly and policy convenings, and hone technical and analytical skills.

The Stimson South Asia Junior Fellowship will help emerging analysts develop the research, analytical, writing, and project management skills required to succeed in fields related to peace and security in South Asia. Previous Junior Fellows have gone on to positions with Stimson and at other think tanks, including CSIS and CFR, have joined the U.S. government, and have pursued advanced degrees at MIT, University of Chicago, Stanford, Oxford, and Columbia.

Selection Criteria

Requirements

• 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.
• Bachelor's degree.
• Existing U.S. work authorization for the full 12 months of the Fellowship.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• 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.
• Hindi, Urdu, or Mandarin language skills.
• Data science skills.
• Video editing skills.
• Social media and communications experience/skills
• Event and/or project management experience.

Application Materials

• A one-page cover letter laying out the candidate's research interests and career goals. Applicants should discuss how they can contribute to the mission and work of the Stimson South Asia Program and how the Stimson South Asia Junior 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 transcript(s) with an academic record of undergraduate and Master's (if applicable) 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 to southasiaadmin@stimson.org 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.

Selection Process

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I eligible for the Stimson South Asia Junior Fellowship?

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 are eligible to apply for the Junior Fellowship. The fellowship is meant for early-career scholars and analysts who are looking to develop expertise in the subcontinent's strategic affairs.

What are some of the Junior Fellows' responsibilities?

Junior Fellows support a variety of programmatic efforts during their fellowship and are typically assigned to either South Asian Voices or Strategic Learning. For South Asian Voices, Fellows devote a large portion of their time to editing articles and working with regional authors to prepare pieces for publication. For Strategic Learning, Fellows support the production of online resources including courses, video content, and written articles on regional strategic issues. Throughout their fellowship, they will also contribute to a combination of research, events, and other program activities.

Do applicants have to be U.S. citizens to apply for the Stimson South Asia Junior Fellowship?

No. All applicants are welcome to apply. However, employment is contingent on proof of eligibility for employment in the United States of America for the full 12 months of the fellowship (approximately August 2026 through July 2027). Stimson cannot provide visa sponsorship for this position.

When is the application due, and where should I submit my application materials?

All application materials (including the letter of recommendation) are due January 31, 2026.

Materials other than letters of recommendation should be submitted as a single PDF document in the order outlined above and titled "Junior Fellowship Application Materials-Last name of applicant" through the online application platform.

If you have issues with uploading documents in the online application system, please send an email to southasiaadmin@stimson.org with the subjection line "Application Materials - Stimson South Asia Junior Fellowship." Please note that applications must still be submitted via the online application system in order to be considered.

Letters of recommendation should be emailed by the recommender to southasiaadmin@stimson.org with the subject line "Stimson South Asia Junior Fellowship-Last name of applicant" by January 31, 2026.

Will I be notified if I am not selected for the fellowship?

Yes. All candidates will be notified of their selection or non-selection.

When does the Fellowship begin?

Though there is some flexibility, the Fellowship will begin roughly in August 2026 and continue through July 2027.

Is the Stimson South Asia Junior Fellowship paid?

Yes. Junior Fellows will receive a salary of $2,083.33 twice per month (based on $50,000 annually). In addition, Stimson will provide a comprehensive package of employee benefits, including health insurance and a transit benefit.

For additional questions or information, please email southasiaadmin@stimson.org with the subject line "Query regarding Stimson South Asia Junior Fellowship 2026-2027."

Will the Fellowship be in-person or virtual?

The Fellowship will take place in person at Stimson Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Stimson follows a hybrid schedule requiring attendance at least two days a week in the office and on Stimson’s anchor days (twice a month), along with occasional events and in-person meetings.

15 Vacation Days, 10 Sick Days, 13 Paid Holidays, Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance, Retirement Match, Long-Term and Short-Term Disability Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending Plan, Commuting, Wellness, Education Benefits, Parental Leave, and Bereavement Leave.