What if your next postdoctoral position could take your Southeast Asia research into a university in Thailand, Malaysia, or Vietnam — while giving you a salary, research funding, and academic mentorship?
The Southeast Asia Research Group (SEAREG) is launching its first Postdoctoral Fellowship in 2027. The 12-month fellowship will place one scholar at one of four partner universities in Southeast Asia and is designed to strengthen research, academic networking, fieldwork, and career prospects.
Quick Facts
- Opportunity Type: Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Host Organization: Southeast Asia Research Group (SEAREG)
- Partner Institutions: Chulalongkorn University, Mahidol University, Universiti Sains Malaysia, or VinUniversity
- Location: Thailand, Malaysia, or Vietnam
- Duration: 12 months
- Mode: Primarily based at the host institution; arrangements may vary by university
- Nationality: Applicants do not need to be permanent residents or citizens of North America, but their PhD must be from an institution in the United States, Canada, or Mexico
- Age: Not specified
- Minimum Degree Required: PhD
- Work Experience/Postdoc History: Not specified
- Research Area: Southeast Asia-focused social sciences
- Start Date: July 1, 2027
- Application Deadline: November 1, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
- Application Fee: No application fee stated
- Salary: Competitive salary, subject to final negotiation with the host institution
- Research Support: Small research fund
- Travel Support: Travel to the SEAREG annual Southeast Asian workshop is supported
- Funding Status: Funded postdoctoral position; not advertised as an all-expenses-paid fellowship
What Is the SEAREG Postdoctoral Fellowship?
The Southeast Asia Research Group (SEAREG) is launching a new postdoctoral fellowship beginning in summer 2027.
The first fellow will receive a 12-month position at one of four partner universities in Southeast Asia. The fellowship is intended to help scholars develop their research agenda, gain additional training and networking opportunities, conduct field research, and strengthen their competitiveness for academic and non-academic careers.
The fellow will also receive mentoring from a member of the SEAREG Executive Council and have their work showcased at SEAREG’s annual Southeast Asian workshop.
What Funding Does It Provide?
This is a paid postdoctoral position rather than an unpaid research fellowship.
The official announcement states that the fellow will receive:
- A competitive salary
- A small research fund for research expenses
- Travel support to the SEAREG annual Southeast Asian workshop
- Employment status with the partner institution
However, SEAREG has not published a specific salary amount. The salary will be negotiated with the partner institution.
The official information also does not state that accommodation, relocation expenses, health insurance, or every personal living expense will be covered. Therefore, this opportunity should not be advertised as “fully funded” or “all expenses covered.”
Where Will the Postdoc Be Based?
The first SEAREG fellow will be hosted at one of four partner institutions:
Chulalongkorn University — Thailand
The fellow would be expected to present a public lecture, work toward journal publications, and potentially have teaching responsibilities.
Mahidol University — Thailand
The fellow would teach a course while continuing their research, with additional academic engagement developed with the host faculty.
Universiti Sains Malaysia — Malaysia
The fellow would present research at a faculty seminar, deliver guest lectures, and may have opportunities for collaborative research with faculty.
VinUniversity — Vietnam
The fellow would have the opportunity to join research teams at the Smart Green Transformation Center, with the emphasis placed on research activities.
Applicants are expected to contact their potential host institution during the application process and obtain a letter of support from a mentor at their intended university.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
1. PhD completed within the specified period
Applicants must complete their PhD within the three-year window preceding the fellowship:
May 2024 – May 2027
A June 2027 graduation can also be acceptable if the applicant can provide confirmation from their advisor that all graduation requirements have been completed.
2. PhD from North America
Your PhD must be from an institution located in:
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
Importantly, you do not have to be a North American citizen or permanent resident. The requirement concerns the location of the institution from which you received your PhD.
3. Southeast Asia research focus
Your dissertation research must have engaged seriously with Southeast Asia as a region, and your continuing research agenda should align with SEAREG’s priorities.
Your proposed postdoctoral research does not necessarily have to focus on the country where you will be hosted, but you must explain why the host university is a strong fit for your research.
4. Social sciences background
The fellowship is primarily aimed at scholars in the social sciences.
Political science and economics are core disciplines, while related areas such as cultural anthropology may also be considered if the research meaningfully engages with Southeast Asia.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- One-page cover letter
- Two-page research proposal
- Letter of support from a mentor at the intended host university
- Two writing samples
- Two letters of recommendation
The research proposal should explain:
- What you plan to accomplish during the fellowship
- How you will engage with the host institution
- Who your proposed mentor is
- Why the mentor is a good match
- Your intended research outputs
The host mentor must be a full-time, permanent faculty member, and each mentor can support only one application.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is:
November 1, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
The first SEAREG Postdoctoral Fellowship is expected to begin on July 1, 2027 and conclude on June 30, 2028.
Is There an Application Fee?
No application fee is stated in the official fellowship announcement or application requirements.
Is This Fellowship Fully Funded?
It is a paid 12-month postdoctoral position with:
- Competitive salary
- Research funding
- Workshop travel support
- Employment at the host institution
How to Apply
- Identify the SEAREG partner university that best fits your research.
- Contact potential faculty mentors at the institution.
- Discuss the fellowship and your proposed research.
- Secure a letter of support from your intended mentor.
- Prepare your cover letter, research proposal, writing samples, and recommendation letters.
- Submit the application through the official SEAREG application portal before the deadline.
Official application:
Apply for the SEAREG Postdoctoral Fellowship
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. You do not have to be a North American citizen or permanent resident. However, your PhD must have been awarded by an institution in the United States, Canada, or Mexico.
Can someone with a PhD from India apply?
Not under the current eligibility rules. The fellowship requires the PhD to be from an institution in the United States, Canada, or Mexico.
Is this a fully funded fellowship?
It is a paid, funded postdoctoral position, but SEAREG does not describe it as fully funded or all-expenses-paid.
How long is the fellowship?
The first fellowship is for 12 months, from the expected start date of July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028.
Do I need a host mentor?
Yes. Applicants must obtain a letter of support from a full-time, permanent faculty mentor at their intended host university.
Can the fellowship be remote?
SEAREG says applicants should discuss arrangements with the partner institution. Different universities may have different expectations regarding regular in-person presence.
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