Perry World House at the University of Pennsylvania has opened applications for its 2027–28 Postdoctoral Fellowship and Lightning Scholar Program. The opportunities are designed for scholars and untenured faculty interested in international affairs and global policy research. Applications for both programmes are open until December 1, 2026. Perry World House is part of the University of Pennsylvania and serves as a forum for research, teaching, policy engagement and public discussion on major global challenges. The two programmes provide opportunities for scholars to engage with the intellectual community at Penn while advancing their research. Perry World House Postdoctoral Fellowship The Perry World House Postdoctoral Fellowship provides an opportunity for an early-career scholar to undertake research within the University of Pennsylvania’s international and interdisciplinary academic environment. The fellowship is particularly relevant to researchers whose work addresses significant questions in global affairs, international relations, global governance, public policy and related areas. During the fellowship, the selected scholar would have an opportunity to engage with the Perry World House community and benefit from its connections across the University of Pennsylvania. Because the announcement confirms that applications are open but does not provide the full fellowship terms, applicants should consult the official fellowship application materials for information concerning the number of positions, eligibility, stipend or salary, benefits, research expectations, appointment dates and required application documents. Lightning Scholar Program Perry World House is also accepting applications for its Lightning Scholar Program, which is intended for untenured faculty. The programme provides an opportunity for eligible faculty members to engage with Perry World House and its broader community while pursuing scholarly work related to international affairs and global policy. As with the Postdoctoral Fellowship, prospective applicants should consult the official Lightning Scholar application materials for the complete eligibility requirements, appointment details, financial support, research expectations and application documentation. Who Should Consider Applying? The two programmes target different career stages. The Postdoctoral Fellowship is intended for scholars at the postdoctoral stage who are seeking an opportunity to develop their research and participate in an interdisciplinary academic environment. The Lightning Scholar Program is specifically identified by Perry World House as being for untenured faculty. Applicants should carefully determine which programme corresponds to their current academic position before beginning an application. Research and Academic Environment Perry World House is based at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. The centre brings together scholars, students, policymakers and other experts to examine international and global issues. For applicants working on international affairs or globally significant policy questions, the programmes can provide an academic setting in which research can connect with broader conversations across disciplines. Candidates should therefore review Perry World House’s current research priorities and activities when preparing their applications and consider how their proposed work connects with the centre’s intellectual community. Application Deadline Applications for both the 2027–28 Postdoctoral Fellowship and Lightning Scholar Program are due by: Deadline: December 1, 2026 Applicants should allow sufficient time to complete the online application and submit all required materials before the deadline. They should also review the respective application instructions carefully because the two programmes have different target applicant groups. How to Strengthen an Application Applicants should begin by identifying the programme that matches their academic career stage. Postdoctoral candidates should ensure that their academic background and research agenda meet the fellowship’s requirements, while untenured faculty should review the specific criteria for the Lightning Scholar Program. A well-prepared application should clearly communicate the significance of the applicant’s research and demonstrate how the proposed work fits within the intellectual environment of Perry World House. Applicants should also make sure that their research proposal, curriculum vitae and other supporting materials present a coherent account of their academic trajectory and future research plans. Because the full requirements may differ between the two programmes, applicants should rely on the official application instructions rather than assuming that the same documents or criteria apply to both opportunities. Location and Key Details Institution: University of Pennsylvania – Perry World HouseLocation: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USAProgrammes: Postdoctoral Fellowship and Lightning Scholar ProgramLightning Scholar eligibility: Untenured facultyApplication deadline: December 1, 2026Academic year: 2027–28 The opportunities may be particularly relevant to researchers and faculty working in international affairs, global governance, international relations, global development and related areas, subject to the specific eligibility criteria published in the application materials. How to Apply Interested candidates should review the official application information for the Perry World House Postdoctoral Fellowship or Lightning Scholar Program and submit their applications through the designated online application systems. Applicants should verify the complete eligibility requirements, financial arrangements, required documents, appointment terms and application procedures before submitting their materials. VISIT OFFCIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.