Deadline: November 30, 2025
Are you a U.S. citizen passionate about advancing research and policy in nuclear security? The Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship 2026–2027 offers an exceptional opportunity for postdoctoral fellows to conduct in-depth research at the prestigious Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), supported by the Stanton Foundation.
This one-year, fully-funded fellowship is designed to deepen understanding and policy innovation in areas related to nuclear weapons, deterrence, non-proliferation, and strategic stability.
About the Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship 2026–2027
The Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship 2026–2027 is a 12-month programme hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and generously sponsored by the Stanton Foundation. The fellowship provides early-career scholars and policy professionals an opportunity to undertake original research and policy analysis on critical nuclear security issues.
Fellows can choose to be based at CFR’s New York or Washington, D.C. offices. The programme aims to bridge the gap between academic research and policy implementation by offering fellows the chance to engage with leading experts, policymakers, and practitioners in the nuclear security field.
The fellowship carries a stipend of US $101,000, paid in twelve equal monthly instalments. Please note that fellows are considered independent contractors, not employees of CFR, and therefore do not receive standard employment benefits such as health insurance.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
- Academic Status: Applicants must be postdoctoral fellows, i.e. individuals who have completed their PhD and are in the post-doctoral stage.
- Professional Achievement: Candidates should demonstrate strong professional and academic accomplishments.
- Research Focus: Proposals must address key nuclear security topics, including but not limited to:
- Nuclear terrorism and non-state actor threats
- Nuclear proliferation and arms control
- Deterrence theory and nuclear posture
- Nuclear weapons policy and strategic stability
Fellowship Benefits
- Duration: 12 months (preferably beginning in September 2026)
- Stipend: US $101,000 (paid monthly)
- Location: CFR offices in New York or Washington, D.C.
- Professional Engagement: Access to CFR’s extensive network of experts, scholars, and policymakers.
- Independence: Fellows conduct their own research projects with full intellectual autonomy.
Application Process
Applicants are required to submit the following materials:
- Basic biographical, educational, and employment information
- A project proposal clearly outlining the intended research topic and objectives
- Two letters of recommendation from qualified referees familiar with the applicant’s work
Application Deadline:
30 November 2025
Applications should be submitted through the Council on Foreign Relations’ official portal.
Why Apply for the Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship?
The Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship is an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in a rigorous policy-research environment. It allows fellows to explore nuclear policy issues at one of the world’s leading think tanks, the Council on Foreign Relations.
This fellowship not only enhances your research credentials but also provides exposure to decision-makers shaping global nuclear policy. The generous stipend and institutional resources make it ideal for postdoctoral researchers seeking to influence the nuclear security discourse at the highest level.
Key Dates and Details
| Programme | Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship 2026–2027 |
|---|---|
| Host Organisation | Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) |
| Sponsor | Stanton Foundation |
| Location | New York or Washington, D.C. |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Stipend | US $101,000 |
| Eligibility | U.S. citizens; Postdoctoral fellows |
| Deadline | 30 November 2025 |
How to Apply
Interested applicants should prepare all required documents and apply before the stated deadline.
👉 Read more about the programme
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