Research Scholar, South Asia Program

Research Scholar (Fellow/Senior Fellow)

South Asia Program

The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a unique global network of policy research centers, seeks a research scholar to join its Washington, D.C.-based South Asia program. Candidates for this position will be considered at either the Fellow or Senior Fellow levels, depending on experience and qualifications.

The selected scholar will help lead the program's work on India's role in a changing global order. The position focuses on the political, economic, and strategic dimensions of India's external engagement-including major power competition, the Indo-Pacific, global governance, security partnerships, and emerging areas such as technology, climate, and geoeconomics. The objective is to generate rigorous, policy-relevant analysis on India as a consequential global actor, spanning U.S.-India relations, India's ties with Europe and the Global South, and its engagement with multilateral institutions. Experience working on other South Asian countries is a plus.

This hire will deepen the South Asia program's global and comparative portfolio while complementing its existing strengths on India's domestic political economy and the Indian diaspora. The scholar will work closely with the Director of the South Asia Program and colleagues across Carnegie's global network, including the Asia Program in Washington and Carnegie India in New Delhi.

Strong candidates will demonstrate excellence in research, writing, and convening, along with the ability to develop an independent, policy-relevant research agenda. Candidates should have some experience managing junior research and program staff and a willingness to contribute to fundraising, mentorship, and institutional development. An established network within the U.S. policy community, as well as with key official, scholarly, and private-sector actors in India and other major capitals, is highly desirable. A PhD or equivalent terminal degree is strongly preferred.

This position is based in Washington, D.C., with occasional domestic and international travel. Applicants should submit a resume/CV, cover letter, and a one-page research agenda. The anticipated salary range for this position is $120,000 to $200,000, commensurate with education and experience and dependent on whether the offer is made at the fellow or senior fellow level. Carnegie also offers an outstanding benefits package, including health insurance and retirement benefits.

The program aims to fill this position as soon as possible. Prior U.S. work authorization is preferred but not required. Please apply via the Carnegie Endowment website.

Equal Employment Opportunity.