Are you a recent PhD graduate researching global democracy and related issues? The Kellogg Institute for International Studies at the University of Notre Dame offers a residential postdoctoral fellowship giving early-career scholars dedicated time, resources and an international academic community to advance their research.
Quick Eligibility
- Opportunity Type: Funded Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
- Education Level: PhD / Postdoctoral
- Eligible Nationalities: All nationalities
- Research Focus: Global democracy and related international research
- Preferred Background: Social sciences; exceptional applicants from other disciplines may also be considered
- PhD Requirement: PhD or equivalent earned no more than 3 years before the start of the fellowship
- Age Limit: No specific age limit
- Work Experience: Postdoctoral experience is not separately required; the key requirement is the PhD completion window
- Notre Dame Graduates: University of Notre Dame PhD graduates are not eligible
- University Admission: Not required
- Application Fee: $0
- Location: University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- Residency: In-person / residential
- Fellowship Duration: Academic year (August–May)
- Funding: $75,000/year + up to $7,500/year research funds + up to $2,000 approved relocation expenses + medical insurance
- Application Deadline: October 1, 2026
- Recommendation Letters Deadline: October 7, 2026
- Application Method: Online through Interfolio
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to researchers from any country conducting international research related to global democracy.
The strongest applicants generally have a PhD or equivalent degree in a social science discipline, although the Institute says exceptional applicants from other disciplines may be considered.
Important PhD Rule
Your PhD must have been earned no more than three years before the beginning of the fellowship.
What Research Areas Fit?
The central research theme is global democracy.
Projects may examine issues connected to democratic institutions, political participation, governance, civil society, authoritarianism, peace/security and other international dimensions of democracy.
Applications are evaluated partly on how clearly the proposed project connects to Kellogg’s global democracy research theme.
What Does the Fellowship Provide?
Selected fellows receive:
- $75,000 annual stipend
- Up to $7,500/year in research funds
- Up to $2,000 in approved relocation expenses
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance
- Dedicated workspace
- Access to University library and campus facilities
- Participation in Kellogg seminars, lectures and academic events
- Interaction with scholars and practitioners from around the world
Residential Requirement
This is not a remote fellowship.
Fellows are expected to be in residence at Kellogg during their fellowship. Absences of more than a few days require permission from the Director.
Important Dates
Applications: August 1 – October 1, 2026
Recommendation letters: October 7, 2026
The fellowship normally runs for an academic year, August–May. A second year may be offered depending on interest and satisfactory performance.
Non-US citizens/residents must obtain a J-1 visa and have advanced English proficiency.
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