About the Fellowship
The Clements Center for National Security Predoctoral Fellowship at the University of Texas at Austin provides advanced PhD candidates a unique opportunity to focus on research at the intersection of history, strategy, and statecraft. Fellows conduct independent dissertation research while benefiting from UT Austin’s extensive academic and professional resources, including workshops, lectures, and conferences. The program welcomes scholars from history, political science, public policy, area studies, language studies, and classics, particularly those whose research informs foreign policy, defense, intelligence, or international security. Designed to accelerate dissertation completion, the fellowship also offers competitive financial support, office space, and full access to UT facilities. Exceptional applicants with Indo-Pacific-focused research may be considered for the Clements-Strauss Asia Policy Program.
Fellowship / Details
- Position Title: Predoctoral Fellowship
- Host Institution: Clements Center for National Security, University of Texas at Austin
- Administering Body / Funding Agency: University of Texas at Austin
- Location: Texas, United States
- Research Field(s): National security, foreign policy, defense strategy, intelligence, international relations, political science, history
- Fellowship Type: Full-time Predoctoral Fellowship
- Level: Early-career / PhD candidates
- Fellowship Duration: 12 months (possible renewal for a second year)
- Expected Start Date: 2026
- Working Hours: Full-time, as per UT Austin norms
- Funding/Compensation: $40,000–$45,000 stipend, access to UT facilities, office space at Clements Center
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD candidate in dissertation writing phase
Supported Research Fields / Areas
Main Subjects:
- Political and military history
- National security
- Foreign policy
- International relations
Interdisciplinary Fields:
- Public policy
- Political philosophy
- Language studies
- Area studies
- Classics
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Current PhD candidate in dissertation writing phase
- Anticipated dissertation submission within 1–2 years
- Research relevant to national security, defense, intelligence, or international policy
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong historical component in research
- Experience or interest in public policy or strategic studies
- Applicants addressing the Indo-Pacific region may indicate interest in Clements-Strauss Asia Policy Program
Not Eligible:
- Applicants not actively engaged in dissertation writing or beyond the 1–2 year window for completion
Fellowship / Job Benefits
- Competitive stipend ($40,000–$45,000)
- Full access to UT Austin academic resources and library facilities
- Office space at Clements Center
- Participation in lectures, conferences, and Clements Center programs
- Professional networking opportunities in national security and policy research
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct independent dissertation research and writing
- Participate in Clements Center programs, guest lectures, and conferences
- Collaborate with center leadership on mutually agreed projects
- Engage with academic and policy-oriented research communities
Application Process
How to Apply:
Submit a complete application via Interfolio during the open call period.
Required Documents:
- Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
- Graduate school transcripts
- Brief research statement (max 2 pages, single-spaced)
- Three letters of recommendation
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 3 October 2025
- Deadline: 5 December 2025 (10:59 p.m. Central)
- Fellowship Start Date: 2026
Where to Apply
- Institution Website: Clements Center Predoctoral Fellowship
- Official Notification: click here
- Apply Online Here: Interfolio Application
Contact for Queries: Emily Burch, Student Programs Manager – emily.burch@austin.utexas.edu
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