What is the James C. Gaither Junior Fellowship?

The James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace is a highly competitive national fellowship for exceptional graduating seniors and recent graduates. Approximately 15 fellows are selected each year to work as research assistants in Washington, DC.

For more information, visit the James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program website.

Program Basics

  • Duration: 10–12 months (begins September 1, 2027)
  • Location: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Washington, DC
  • Position Type: Full-time, paid
  • Salary: $4,166.67/month (paid semi-monthly, before taxes) + full benefits package (medical, dental, life insurance, vacation) + up to $1,500 relocation support
  • What You’ll Do: Fellows provide research assistance to senior scholars across Carnegie’s programs. This includes conducting research, contributing to op-eds and policy papers, editing documents, attending high-level meetings, and organizing briefings.

Eligibility

  • Graduating senior or graduated within the past academic year (no graduate studies begun)
  • Eligible to work in the U.S. for 10–12 months (Sept 1 – June 30, 2027–2028)
  • Strong academic record with coursework in your area of interest
  • Language and other skills may be required depending on your program assignment

How to Apply

UMW Internal Deadline: November 13, 2026
Carnegie Deadline: January 15, 2027

You must apply through UMW’s internal process first. Contact the Center for Career and Professional Development for the nomination process and to submit application materials.

Submit your UMW internal application here!

Required Documents

  1. Resume/CV (1–2 pages)
  2. Personal Statement (up to 2 pages, double-spaced) – Explain why you’re applying, what you want to learn, how your skills suit the role, and which program you’re applying for
  3. Writing Sample (3–5 pages, double-spaced) – A complete work or excerpt with a brief explanation (½ page max) of your choice
  4. Two Letters of Recommendation – Choose recommenders who can speak to your writing and research skills
  5. Transcript (unofficial is fine)

Application Information

You’ll also provide:

  • Contact information and address
  • Preferred research program (primary and optional second choice)
  • Language skills (up to 5 languages)
  • Work authorization status
  • Availability for interviews (mid-February to early March)
  • Availability to start September 1

Research Programs

Choose from these programs when applying (each has specific skill requirements; review Carnegie’s website for details on what each program seeks):

  • Democracy, Conflict, and Governance
  • American Statecraft
  • Nuclear Policy
  • Technology and International Affairs
  • Middle East
  • International Security and Political Economy
  • Asia Program
  • Russia and Eurasia
  • Africa Program
  • Global Order and Institutions
  • Sustainability, Climate and Geopolitics
  • Europe

Selection Timeline

  • UMW Internal Deadline: November 13, 2026
  • Carnegie Deadline: January 15, 2027
  • Interviews: Mid-February to early March (via video or phone)
  • Decisions: By March 31, 2027
  • Fellowship Starts: September 1, 2027

Questions?

Contact the director of the Center for Career and Professional Development, Michael Dunn (mdunn2@umw.edu). For more information on the program, visit the Carnegie Endowment website.