Nuclear security is one of the greatest challenges facing the world today. The spread of nuclear weapons to unstable and hostile states, the risk of conflict between nuclear-armed nations, and the potential for terrorist groups to acquire nuclear arms all demand new thinking and creative policy solutions. The Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship, sponsored by the Stanton Foundation, offers younger, 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. The fellows will also be mentored by the fellows in CFR’s David Rockefeller Studies Program.
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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
The fellowship runs for twelve months, preferably beginning in September. The program will award a stipend of $101,000 for postdoctoral fellows in 2026-27. 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 three days per week, including Tuesdays and Thursdays as Anchor Days.
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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. Appropriate potential topics include nuclear terrorism, nuclear proliferation, nuclear weapons, and nuclear force posture The selection process is highly competitive. CFR awards one fellowship each year.
Interested candidates who meet the program’s eligibility requirements can apply online between October 15 and November 30 2025, for the 2026-27 fellowship cycle.
An unrivaled experience in terms of opportunities to build bridges with the policy community and thereby ground research in a real-world context.
Location:
United StatesBenefits
- The fellowship runs for twelve months, preferably beginning in September.
- The program will award a stipend of $101,000 for postdoctoral fellows in 2026-27. 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.
Eligibilities
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
- Applicants must possess a strong record of professional achievement.
- Applicants must be postdoctoral fellows.
Application Process
- For application go through this link: https://apply.cfr.org/submit/7aceed9a-b5ab-4340-aed6-8e33b3b4a932/2026-27-stanton-nuclear-security-fellowship
Application Deadline: November 30, 2025 (29 Days Remaining)
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