The Carnegie Endowment Fellowships is inviting applications for the James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program 2027, offering exceptional graduates the opportunity to work alongside leading scholars on global policy, international relations, democracy, security, climate, technology, and geopolitical research.
The prestigious fellowship provides one year of full-time, paid research experience at the Carnegie Endowment headquarters in Washington, D.C., where fellows contribute directly to influential policy research and publications while developing careers in international affairs and public policy.
About the Carnegie Endowment Fellowship
The James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program is one of the world’s most competitive international affairs fellowship programs. Each year, outstanding graduates are selected to work as research assistants supporting Carnegie’s senior scholars across a wide range of global policy programs.
Beginning in September 2027, fellows spend one year conducting policy research, analyzing international developments, preparing publications, organizing events, and supporting high-impact research projects addressing today’s most pressing global challenges.
Fellowship Research Areas
Selected fellows may be assigned to one of several research programs, including:
Democracy, Governance and Politics
- Democracy, Conflict and Governance
- Democratic Institutions
- Political Reform
- Governance Research
International Relations
- American Statecraft
- Global Order and Institutions
- International Security
- International Political Economy
Technology and Innovation
- Technology and International Affairs
- Artificial Intelligence Policy
- Digital Governance
- Emerging Technologies
Regional Programs
- Africa
- Asia
- Europe
- Middle East
- Russia and Eurasia
- South Asia
Security and Strategic Studies
- Nuclear Policy
- Defense and Security
- Military Affairs
- Strategic Competition
Climate and Sustainability
- Sustainability
- Climate Change
- Energy Policy
- Geopolitics of Climate
What Fellows Do
Throughout the fellowship, participants may:
- Conduct policy and academic research.
- Assist with data collection and analysis.
- Support publication of research reports.
- Prepare literature reviews.
- Analyze international developments.
- Draft policy briefs and research papers.
- Create charts, tables, and research graphics.
- Organize conferences, seminars, and workshops.
- Support senior scholars on ongoing research projects.
- Contribute to discussions on global policy issues.
Fellowship Benefits
Participants receive numerous professional development opportunities, including:
- One year of full-time research experience.
- Mentorship from internationally recognized policy experts.
- Exposure to high-level policy discussions.
- Professional networking opportunities.
- Experience contributing to internationally respected publications.
- Career preparation for graduate study, diplomacy, think tanks, government, and international organizations.
- Opportunities to strengthen research and analytical skills.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are submitted through participating universities, which nominate outstanding candidates to Carnegie.
Applicants are generally expected to demonstrate:
- Outstanding academic achievement.
- Strong research and analytical skills.
- Excellent writing ability.
- Interest in international affairs and public policy.
- Leadership potential.
- Commitment to public service or policy research.
Preferred Qualifications
Depending on the research program, additional qualifications may include:
- Quantitative data analysis.
- GIS experience.
- Statistical analysis.
- Policy research experience.
- Foreign language proficiency.
- Regional expertise.
- Strong academic background in international relations, political science, economics, public policy, history, environmental studies, or related disciplines.
Language Skills
Some fellowship assignments prefer or require language proficiency, including:
- Arabic
- Mandarin Chinese
- Russian
- Ukrainian
- European languages
- Additional regional languages relevant to Carnegie research programs
Application Timeline
The typical fellowship timeline includes:
- Mid-October: Application materials distributed to participating universities.
- October to January: Universities conduct internal nomination processes.
- January 15: University nominations submitted to the James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program.
- Late February to Early March: Selected candidates participate in interviews.
- End of March: Fellowship selections announced.
- September 2027: Fellowship begins in Washington, D.C.
Applicants should note that internal university deadlines are often earlier than Carnegie’s final nomination deadline.
Why Apply?
The Carnegie Endowment Fellowship is an outstanding opportunity for aspiring policy professionals seeking careers in:
- International Relations
- Public Policy
- Diplomacy
- Government
- International Organizations
- Think Tanks
- Political Risk Analysis
- Security Studies
- Climate Policy
- Global Development
- Economic Policy
- Research and Academia
Many former fellows have gone on to successful careers in government agencies, international organizations, leading universities, global research institutions, and multinational organizations.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should:
- Confirm whether their university participates in the James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program.
- Contact their university’s designated nominating official.
- Complete the institution’s internal nomination process.
- Submit all required application materials before the university’s internal deadline.
- Await nomination to Carnegie for final consideration.
Since applications are accepted only through participating universities, candidates are encouraged to begin preparing well before the nomination deadline.
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