Kellogg Institute Postdoctoral Research Fellowships 2025-26 at University of Notre Dame

Kellogg Institute for International Studies offers visiting fellowships to promote interdisciplinary international research in a supportive community of scholars. The Kellogg Institute Postdoctoral Fellowship offers time to pursue scholarly development, advance your research portfolio, and develop your skills as you prepare to enter the academic job market.

As a postdoctoral fellow, pursue research related to the Kellogg Institute’s themes of democracy and human development, interact and engage with Kellogg Faculty Fellows, present your work to the Institute’s community, and engage with other scholars and practitioners from around the world. Fellows also have the opportunity to publish in Kellogg’s peer-reviewed Working Paper Series.

Fellowship Overview

Eligibility:

• Recent PhD: Must have completed a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree within the past five years.
• Research Focus: Conduct research on global democracy and/or human development.
• Discipline: Most successful applicants will work in a social science discipline or in history.
• Advanced ABD Students: May apply, provided they complete their PhD before June 30 of the starting fellowship year.
• For Non-US Citizens/Residents:
  Advanced English language proficiency is required. Foreign nationals must have a valid passport and be able to obtain a J-1 Visa.

Note: According to US immigration regulations, an individual who completes a period of stay of less than five years as a J-1 professor or research scholar and does not have another appointment immediately following the termination of said stay, cannot return to the US as a J-1 professor or research scholar until the individual has been outside the US for a minimum period of two years. This two-year bar is different from the two-year home residency requirement normally issued to J-1 scholars.

Application Process:
Applications are submitted through the Kellogg Institute’s online system in Interfolio. A complete application includes:

• Cover letter addressing your interest in the fellowship and specifying your preferred term of stay
• Curriculum vitae
• Research project statement (6–10 double-spaced pages)
• Project Abstract (150 words max)
• Short Bio (200-300 words)
• Contact information for three referees who will provide letters of recommendation

Application Deadline:
For the academic year 2025-26, applications are open until October 1, 2024.

Selection Process:
Fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis. A committee composed of Kellogg Institute Faculty Fellows evaluates the applications based on the following selection criteria:

• The individual’s scholarly record and potential
• The problem being addressed and the interest and importance within and beyond the researcher’s field
• The study’s relationship to the research themes of the Kellogg Institute
• The quality of the research design, including basic hypotheses, research methodology, and the kinds of data or evidence the researcher is considering
• The importance and originality of this project and it’s clarity to someone outside the applicant’s discipline
• The quantity and quality of work the researcher would be able to complete during his/her time at the Institute

Fellowship Benefits

Support Provided:
Postdoctoral fellows receive:

• A competitive stipend of $80,000/year plus $2,000/year in travel funds.
• Research funding
• Medical insurance benefits:  Coverage through Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield and other providers for medical, dental, and vision insurance; and access to an onsite medical facility.
• Partial housing subsidy for the Hesburgh Center Residences or other on-campus housing conveniently located

Fellowship Terms:
Postdoctoral fellowships are awarded for an entire academic year (August to May.) Two-year postdoctoral fellowships may be offered upon demonstrated interest by the applicant and are subject to renewal with the Kellogg Institute during the first year.

Facilities:
The Hesburgh Center offers facilities that are ideal for scholarly research, including:

• Spacious Offices: Comfortable and dedicated workspace.
• On-Site IT Support: Assistance with information technology needs.
• Library Access: Full access to extensive library resources.
• Campus Facilities: Availability of other on-campus amenities.

Fellowship Obligations::

• Residency:
  Fellows are expected to be in residence during their tenure at Kellogg. Absences of more than a few days are discouraged and require the Director’s permission.
• Presentation:
  Fellows must give at least one presentation of their current research during their stay.
• Participation:
  Fellows are expected to actively participate in the weekly seminar and lecture series, as well as most Kellogg events.
• Publication:
  Fellows should publish the results of research undertaken and/or completed during their fellowship. Publications should acknowledge Kellogg Institute support.
• Working Papers:
  Fellows are required to submit at least one paper to Kellogg’s peer-reviewed Working Paper series, either during or shortly after their fellowship.

Contact Information

For more details about the Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships, including specific application requirements and deadlines, For program information, please contact Mauricio Benítez Iturbe, Executive Director at mbenite2@nd.edu.

For more information, visit the Kellogg Institute’s official website.