Institute for America, China, and the Future of Global Affairs (ACF) Call for Post-Doctoral Fellows 2026/27

The Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) is pleased to announce the opportunity for outstanding scholars to support the work of the SAIS Institute for America China and the Future of Global Affairs (ACF).

During the academic year 2026-2027, up to (two) post-doctoral fellowships will be awarded. ACF will consider applicants at the pre-doctoral level if on track to finish their doctoral degree within two years following the completion of the fellowship. Both available fellowships are for twelve (12) months between July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 on a residential or non-residential basis.?

Post-doctoral fellows will help drive ACF's key research initiatives and strengthen the connection between academic scholarship and policy practice. The fellows will play a central role in designing, overseeing, and analyzing research projects aimed at advancing the center's mission and generating actionable insights to inform policy, practice, and future research directions.

Each ACF Post-Doctoral Fellow will receive a salary of up to $73,000 annually minus U.S. taxes; internet access; and access to Johns Hopkins University libraries and other university resources. Each fellow is expected to take care of his/her accommodation and living expenses. A basic health care package is available for all post-doctoral fellows. For non-US citizens one economy class roundtrip airfare will be provided. Renewal of the fellowship for up to two years is possible, subject to performance and funding considerations.

Pre-doctoral fellows are expected to work 20 hours per week. The compensation for pre-doctoral fellows is $50,000 annually. Predoctoral fellows are not eligible for healthcare benefits.

Position Summary

The SAIS Institute for America, China, and the Future of Global Affairs (ACF) seeks two highly motivated and collaborative pre- or post-doctoral fellows to contribute to the implementation of key research initiatives. The fellow will play a central role in designing, overseeing, and analyzing research projects aimed at advancing the center's mission and generating actionable insights to inform policy, practice, and future research directions. In addition to their institute-related responsibilities, fellows will have dedicated time for individual academic pursuits, opportunities to get feedback from and collaborate with ACF faculty and non-residential affiliates, and participation in policy discussions informed by academic rigor and insight.

A division of Johns Hopkins University, SAIS is a global institution that provides interdisciplinary professional education to prepare a diverse student body for internationally related positions of responsibility; to foster research, scholarship and cross-cultural exchange; and to contribute knowledge, expertise, and leadership to the global community.

SAIS ACF aims to add rigor and reason to public and policy discussions on China and the range of domestic and international issues that intersect China's global role, bringing together experts and practitioners to foster informed public dialogue, promote evidence-based research, and support the next generation of scholars and practitioners. For further information, please go to: SAIS ACF

Key Responsibilities

- Spearhead and oversee research activities, including project design and analysis.

- Collaborate with senior researchers and external partners to ensure methodological rigor, relevance, and alignment with strategic objectives.

- Support the development of new research proposals and grant applications.

- Engage in dissemination efforts, including policy briefs, public presentations, and stakeholder outreach.

- Mentor graduate and undergraduate research assistants.

- Participate in regular ACF meetings and contribute to the broader SAIS intellectual community.

- For post-doctoral candidates, completion of a doctoral degree by the beginning of the fellowship start date. Pre-doctoral applicants should be on track to finish their doctoral degree within two years following the completion of the fellowship.

- Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present complex findings to diverse audiences.

- Excellent organizational and project management abilities, with a capacity to work both independently and collaboratively.

All applicants should apply through Interfolio and should include the following:

1. A statement of interest outlining why you are applying and what you hope to get out of the fellowship.
2. A 3 to 5-page double-spaced research statement that describes or proposes a policy-relevant research project, including its relevance to ACF's goals and priorities.
3. A curriculum vitae.
4. Two writing samples, one scholarly and one for broader audiences.
5. Unofficial transcripts.
6. Three references with contact information.

For questions about the position, please reach out to [emailprotected]

Salary Range

The referenced salary range represents the minimum and maximum salaries for this position and is based on Johns Hopkins University's good faith belief at the time of posting. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. The actual compensation offered to the selected candidate may vary and will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, internal equity, market conditions, education/training and other factors, as reasonably determined by the University.

Total Rewards

Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Johns Hopkins University is committed to equal opportunity for its faculty, staff, and students. To that end, the university does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or other legally protected characteristic. The university is committed to providing qualified individuals access to all academic and employment programs, benefits and activities on the basis of demonstrated ability, performance and merit without regard to personal factors that are irrelevant to the program involved.

Pre-Employment Information

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Background Checks

The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check including education verification.

EEO is the Law:

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Diversity and Inclusion

The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.

Vaccine Requirements

Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. We still require all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. This change does not apply to the School of Medicine (SOM). SOM hires must be fully vaccinated with an FDA COVID-19 vaccination and provide proof of vaccination status. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/ and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/.

The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly. The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.