The Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University aspires to promote a just and peaceful world through research, teaching, and public engagement. Central to this mission is the Watson Postdoctoral Fellows Program, which supports young social scientists conducting research related to the Institute’s three core thematic areas: development, governance, and security. Participants in this program will join an interdisciplinary community of scholars engaged in theoretically and substantively important research addressing the most pressing global issues of our time. 

Applying to the Program

The deadline to apply for the Watson Institute Postdoctoral Fellows Program 2024-2026 is October 18, 2023.

Full application details, and the application itself can be found on Interfolio here: http://apply.interfolio.com/130655

The fellowship competition is open to candidates from the social sciences, including anthropology, economics, history, political science, and sociology. The selection process, open with regard to nationality and geographic area of research, is highly competitive and typically generates over 400 applications for 4 or 5 places. Scholars who have received their PhDs within two years of the application deadline are eligible to apply.  Individuals who are currently – or have previously been – postdoctoral fellows in other programs are not eligible to apply.  Fellows will receive an annual stipend of $75,000, for this benefits-eligible position.  Additional funding will be made available for research expenses and research-related programming on campus.  Candidates selected for the Postdoctoral Fellows program who have not completed their dissertations by July 1, 2024, will be paid a reduced salary until their dissertation is defended.

To receive full consideration, the following materials should be submitted by October 18, 2023 to the application portal http://apply.interfolio.com/130655

• A cover letter stating the applicant's academic field, status of their dissertation, and proposed research to be conducted during their fellowship period. The cover letter should not exceed 2,000 words and should make clear where in the Institute's core areas of security, development, or governance the proposed research best fits. Please also include a statement about teaching in a diverse and inclusive classroom.
• An up-to-date curriculum vitae.
• A copy of each graduate transcript. 
• A writing sample.
• Three letters of recommendation from scholars familiar with the applicant’s research. 

Review of applications will begin on October 18; to receive full consideration applications should be received by that date.  Awards will be announced in January 2024.

For further information regarding the Watson Institute Postdoctoral Fellows Program, please contact:

• Professor Rose McDermott, Faculty Director of the Watson Postdoctoral Fellows Program, rose_mcdermott@brown.edu.  
• For information about the application process, please email:  Watson_Applications@brown.edu or contact Interfolio at help@interfolio.com
• Program Manager: Hayden Reiss; hayden@brown.edu.