Africa China Initiative · Washington, D.C.
Applications are open for the Africa China Post Doctoral Fellowship 2027 to 2028, an 18 month academic research opportunity offered by the Africa China Initiative at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, in partnership with the Center for African Studies at Howard University in the United States.
The fellowship aims to expand African scholarship, expertise and perspectives on relations between Africa and China. It also examines wider connections between Africa, Asia and the Global South. Through research, teaching, public engagement and collaboration, the programme seeks to strengthen understanding of how African countries and China interact across political, economic, social and environmental contexts.
The fellowship is designed for early and mid career scholars with a strong research record in Africa China issues. Both tenured and non tenured PhD holders are eligible to apply. The selected fellow will be based in the Washington, DC area and divide their time between Georgetown University and Howard University.
The Africa China Post Doctoral Fellowship is intended to support original scholarship and strengthen the academic study of Africa China relations. By bringing a researcher into two major university communities, the programme creates opportunities for research collaboration, university teaching, student mentorship and engagement with policy experts.
The successful applicant will spend approximately half of the fellowship period at Georgetown University and half at Howard University. These appointments will take place consecutively, and the fellow must remain in residence in the Washington, DC area for the full 18 months.
The position is supported through the Africa China Initiative’s grant from the Henry Luce Foundation and administered by Georgetown University. In addition to pursuing research, the fellow will contribute to the academic activities of both institutions and participate in discussions that connect scholarly research with public policy.
Washington, DC also provides access to research collections, government institutions, diplomatic missions, think tanks and specialists working on international affairs. These resources can help the fellow develop new research connections and deepen their understanding of Africa’s changing international relationships.
• Annual remuneration of $72,000, plus benefits.
• One round trip domestic or international flight for the fellowship period.
• Research and academic collaboration opportunities at Georgetown University and Howard University.
• Opportunities to deliver public lectures at both institutions.
• Opportunities to guest lecture in relevant university courses.
• Opportunities to mentor students and engage with emerging scholars.
• Access to academic networks, policy experts, research centres, archives and international affairs specialists in Washington, DC.
• Opportunities to strengthen research, teaching and professional experience in Africa China relations.
Additional domestic travel to academic conferences, workshops or other professional activities may be possible if funding is available. Applicants should review the official fellowship information for the precise terms of employment and benefits.
The fellowship welcomes research across relevant disciplines, particularly work that advances understanding of Africa China relations and wider Global South connections.
Priority themes include:
• Human mobility: Migration, mobility and their social, political and economic effects.
• Climate change and environmental issues: Environmental cooperation, climate challenges and the implications of natural resource extraction.
• Trade and debt: Commercial relationships, financing, debt and their implications for African development.
• Changing global power dynamics: Shifts in international influence and the evolving positions of African countries and China in global affairs.
• Transregional engagement: Connections between Africa and Asia, including relationships that extend across regions and the wider Global South.
Research may draw on history, political science, international relations, global studies, sociology, economics, anthropology or related disciplines. Applicants should demonstrate how their work contributes to the broader understanding of Africa China issues.
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
• Hold a PhD from an accredited university.
• Be a tenured or non tenured scholar eligible for a postdoctoral appointment.
• Have a relevant research background in history, political science, international relations, international affairs, global studies, sociology, economics, anthropology or a related discipline.
• Demonstrate an established interest in Africa China relations through relevant research or publications.
• Present original, high quality scholarship with a clear contribution to the study of Africa China relations or related Global South issues.
• Be able to reside in the Washington, DC area for the entire 18 month fellowship period.
• Be prepared to contribute to teaching, public lectures, student mentorship and academic activities at both participating universities.
The programme is particularly interested in early and mid career scholars with broad international experience and a strong record of research on Africa China issues. Applicants should explain how their previous work and proposed research align with the fellowship’s objectives.
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
• Cover letter: Introduce your academic background, research interests and suitability for the fellowship.
• Curriculum Vitae: Present your academic qualifications, research experience, publications and relevant professional achievements.
• Two reference letters: Both letters must be received by October 31, 2026.
• Research or publication proposal: Submit a proposal of approximately 500 words outlining the research or publication project you would pursue during the fellowship.
• Writing sample: Provide a relevant dissertation chapter, book chapter or academic article that demonstrates your research ability and scholarly writing.
Ensure that all documents are complete, clearly presented and consistent with the programme’s requirements. Contact your referees early so that their letters arrive before the separate reference deadline.
Applications will be assessed on the originality and quality of the applicant’s scholarship, their research record and their interest in Africa China relations.
The selection process is expected to consider:
• Academic qualifications and relevant disciplinary expertise.
• Quality, originality and significance of previous research.
• Strength of the proposed research or publication project.
• Relevance to the fellowship’s priority themes.
• Potential contribution to teaching, student mentorship and academic engagement.
• Ability to contribute to research communities at Georgetown University and Howard University.
Applicants should present a focused proposal that identifies a meaningful research question, explains its significance and demonstrates how the fellowship would support further scholarly development.
Washington, D.C.
Africa China Initiative
End of Content.
Do you have a scholarship, job opening, grant, fellowship, or event you’d like to share with a wider audience? Opportunity Desk gives you the platform to reach thousands of students and young professionals who are actively seeking opportunities like yours.
At Opportunity Desk, we go beyond simply sharing opportunities, we make them accessible, relevant, and tailored to your growth journey.
© 2023 Created with Kredibble Creatives & IT Agency
Be the first to comment on this opportunity.