SSRC-JF Next Gen Japan Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026

The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is currently accepting applications for the SSRC-JF Next Gen Japan Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026. This fellowship offers a unique opportunity for early-career researchers to conduct essential research, gain valuable teaching experience, and prepare for tenure-track positions.

📖 About the Fellowship

The Next Gen Japan Postdoctoral Fellowship is designed to:

• Support fellows in conducting research early in their careers.
• Provide teaching experience to help fellows understand the demands of professorship.
• Act as a bridge from graduate school to tenure-track positions.

Sponsor Organization

• Social Science Research Council (SSRC)

💰 Benefits

The program provides funding of up to $60,000 for one full academic year. These funds can be used for:

• Salary/compensation for the fellow.
• Health insurance and benefits for the fellow.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Institutional Requirements

• US-based universities and colleges with 501(c)3 status or qualifying tax-exempt status.

Fellow Requirements

• Must be within 3 years of earning a doctorate or terminal degree.
• Graduate coursework and research experience must have a Japan focus.

🏫 Responsibilities

Applying Institution’s Responsibilities

• Determine the discipline(s) of instruction and manage the selection and hiring of the postdoctoral fellow.
• Conduct the hiring process in accordance with institutional regulations and norms.
• Provide the fellow with:
  • Compensation through partial funding provided by the SSRC-JF grant.
  • Full-time employment for a one-year teaching and research position, including:
    • A course load of 1–2 courses per term (maximum of 4 courses during the fellowship tenure).
    • Health insurance and other benefits as per institutional norms.
    • Office space and other resources.
    • A tenured faculty mentor for guidance on curriculum development and research.
• Administer the funds provided by the grant.
• Submit a final report to the SSRC one month after the fellowship ends.

Fellow’s Responsibilities

• Teach courses and incorporate Japan-related content into the curriculum.
• Conduct research and writing on Japan-related issues.
• Coordinate with the institution to complete a final report for the SSRC, including:
  • A narrative on courses taught.
  • Reporting on their experience.
• Develop an educational module or lesson plan toward the end of the fellowship, which will be made publicly available on the SSRC website.

📝 Application Process

All applications must be submitted online through the SSRC application portal. The application consists of:

1. Fellow’s CV (if the institution is applying with a specific candidate in mind).
2. Cover sheet.
3. Proposal detailing:
   • The role the fellow will fill.
   • The environment provided for the fellow.
   • The benefit to the institution of hosting the fellow.
4. Job description and hiring timeline, including qualifications for the fellow.
5. University policies regarding salary scale and benefits for the fellow’s position.
6. Cost share commitment, including a budget showing how grant funds will be combined with institutional resources.
7. Course list (tentative), including syllabi if available. Courses must focus on Japan or include Japan as a case study.

📅 Application Deadline

• 01 June, 2026

🔗 Additional Information

For more details about the SSRC-JF Next Gen Japan Postdoctoral Fellowship, visit the official SSRC website.

This fellowship is an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers to advance their academic careers while deepening their expertise in Japan-related studies. Don't miss the chance to apply!

• Up to $60,000 for one full academic year
• Salary/compensation to the fellow
• Health insurance and benefits for the fellow