Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship
Nuclear security is one of the greatest challenges facing the world today. The erosion of arms control, the rapid integration of emerging technologies such as AI into nuclear systems, escalating great-power rivalry, and the growing risk of proliferation and nuclear coercion all demand new thinking and creative policy solutions. The Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship, sponsored by the Stanton Foundation, offers postdoctoral scholars studying nuclear security issues the opportunity to spend twelve months at CFR’s offices in New York or Washington, DC, conducting policy-relevant research. This transformational program enables selected fellows to lead a project of their own design, conduct original research, write at least one policy-relevant document, and contribute to the Council’s work on nuclear security issues.
Fellowship Award
The fellowship provides the next generation of thought leaders in nuclear security the opportunity to work on a proposed project that advances policy-relevant understanding of nuclear security issues. Nuclear security issues may include, but are not limited to, nuclear war, nuclear terrorism, nuclear proliferation, nuclear weapons, deterrence and force posture, and, as it relates to nuclear security, nuclear energy. The fellow will be paired with a senior researcher at CFR who will provide mentorship throughout the program. The fellow should produce at least one policy-relevant document within their fellowship year and will attend and present at the annual Stanton Nuclear Security Seminar.
The fellowship runs for twelve months, beginning in September. The program will award a stipend of $110,000 for postdoctoral fellows in 2027–28. Payment will be made in twelve equal monthly installments. Fellows are considered independent contractors rather than employees of CFR and are not eligible for employment benefits, including health insurance.
Fellows will be based in either CFR’s New York or Washington, DC, office. The fellowship is intended as an in-person experience; fellows should expect to work on-site at least four days per week, including Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays as anchor days.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens
- Applicants must have received their PhD by the time the fellowship begins or be postdoctoral scholars
- Applicants must have prior research experience and interest in nuclear security
There is no better place to bridge the worlds of ideas and policy than CFR, which provides unrivaled access to leading scholars and senior members of the policy community.
How to Apply
The application window for the 2026–27 fellowship cycle is now closed. Interested candidates who meet the program’s eligibility requirements can apply online in the fall for the 2027–28 fellowship cycle. Awardees will be notified by spring 2027.
To apply, you will need to submit the following:
- Basic biographical, educational, and employment information
- Two letters of support
- Project proposal that explains the research you plan to conduct
Selection Process
Selection as a Stanton Nuclear Security Fellow is based on the following criteria:
- Scholarly qualifications
- Merits and feasibility of an application proposal that focuses on nuclear security issues
The selection process is highly competitive. CFR awards one fellowship each year.
Contact Us
For more information, please contact [email protected]