- 09-Jan-2020 to 21-Feb-2020 (EST)
- Washington, DC, USA
- Full Time
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 2020-2021 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 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 of $37,000 for the full year as well as health insurance and transit benefits for the duration of the fellowship.
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, great-power competition, and other regional political developments in Southern Asia. Fellows will be expected to support research, publications, and programmatic efforts (including South Asian Voices, Nuclear Learning, and public events and workshops). They will receive professional development opportunities to engage with leading U.S. and regional scholars and practitioners, to represent Stimson at scholarly and policy convenings, to hone technical and analytical skills, and to conduct, present, and publish their own research.
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.
Selection Criteria
Requirements
- A strong background in: South Asian politics, history, economics, or security; strategic studies and nuclear issues; international relations theory; economics; 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. All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States for the full twelve months of the fellowship following graduation.
Desirable Skills/Experience
- Precise editing skills (work experience in university writing center or newspaper a plus).
- Experience living/working in South Asia and/or working in intercultural settings.
- Hindi, Urdu, or Mandarin (or other relevant) language skills.
- Data science skills.
- Event and/or project management experience.
- Web management experience/skills.
Application Materials
- A one-page statement of interest 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 two-page curriculum vitae or resume 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 and study abroad experience.
- One or two letters 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 applicant." All other application materials should be submitted as PDF documents through Stimson's online application program.
Selection Process
Completed applications are due February 21, 2020. Interviews will be conducted soon after, and final decisions will be communicated in March. Applicants selected for an interview may be required to complete one or more short research, editing, and/or writing tests. The fellowship will begin in September 2020 and continue through August 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible for the Stimson South Asia Junior Fellowship?
Graduating seniors or individuals who have finished their undergraduate or master's studies in the past year with a demonstrated interest in South Asian peace 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.
Do applicants have to be U.S. citizens to apply for the Stimson South Asia Junior Fellowship?
No. International applicants are welcome to apply as long as they have a valid visa that allows them to work in the United States for the full 12 months of the fellowship (approximately September 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021).
When is the application due, and where should I submit my application materials?
All application materials (including letters of recommendation) are due February 15, 2020. Materials other than letters of recommendation should be submitted as PDF documents through Stimson's online application system. Letters of recommendation should be emailed to southasiaadmin@stimson.org with the subject line "Stimson South Asia Junior Fellowship'Last name of applicant."
Will I be notified if I am not selected for the fellowship?
Only those chosen for the interview round 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 early September 2020 and continue through August 2021.
Is the Stimson South Asia Junior Fellowship paid?
Yes. Junior Fellows will receive a salary of $3,083.33 per month ($37,000 for the full year). In addition, Stimson will provide health insurance and a transit benefit to the fellows for the duration of the fellowship.
For additional questions or information, please email southasiaadmin@stimson.org with the subject line "Query regarding Stimson South Asia Junior Fellowship 2020-2021."


