Perry World House at the University of Pennsylvania has opened applications for its 2026-2027 Lightning Scholars Program, offering untenured faculty members a unique opportunity to advance their research while engaging with the intersection of academia and global policy.
Since its launch in 2016, Perry World House has established itself as a catalyst for interdisciplinary and policy-relevant research at Penn and beyond. The institution convenes conversations in Philadelphia addressing the most pressing global challenges while connecting students and faculty with leading academics and policymakers worldwide. Through its fellowship and scholar programs, Perry World House infuses research, teaching, and engagement with insights from those actively shaping world events.
The Lightning Scholars Program brings tenure-track faculty at the assistant or associate level from institutions around the world to Philadelphia for a semester or full academic year. The fellowship provides dedicated time for writing and research while offering opportunities to bridge the academic-policy divide.
Selected scholars join the Perry World House and Penn community in residence to produce a major research project or book. While the program welcomes faculty working on any global affairs topics, preference is given to those whose research aligns with Perry World House’s core thematic areas: Climate Change, Democracy, Global Justice and Human Rights, and Security.
The program seeks faculty members looking for an in-residence fellowship away from their home institution—one that provides both the space and support necessary for sustained writing while offering opportunities for collaboration. Candidates should be excited about engaging with an interdisciplinary and vibrant community of global affairs scholars and practitioners.
Perry World House places particular emphasis on recruiting faculty whose work connects to important global policy conversations. Scholars should be interested in dialogue with the many policymakers from around the world who regularly visit Perry World House, creating opportunities to translate academic insights into policy-relevant discussions.
The program offers substantial compensation negotiated on a case-by-case basis. The fellowship is designed to enable scholars to take a comfortable leave from their home institution, often by bridging the gap between a one-semester sabbatical provided by the home institution and a full-year leave.
While final compensation depends on individual circumstances, the program provides a minimum of $50,000 plus relevant fees and health insurance when needed. Additional benefits include $5,000 in research support and the opportunity to help shape workshops and colloquia at Perry World House, allowing scholars to contribute to the intellectual community while pursuing their own research.
Applications are welcome from scholars holding a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree, including a J.D. Candidates must be standing faculty members at a college or university and must be on the tenure track but not yet tenured.
Applicants must submit a comprehensive application package through Interfolio, including:
A cover letter introducing the candidate and their research interests. A three-page proposal outlining the research project to be completed during the fellowship. A writing sample demonstrating the quality and style of the candidate’s scholarship. A current curriculum vitae. A letter of support from the home department or institution. A confidential letter of recommendation.
Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning December 1, 2025. To receive full consideration, applications and letters of support should be submitted by this date.
The University of Pennsylvania provides a streamlined application process through Interfolio’s Faculty Search platform. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials, including confidential letters of recommendation, at no charge.
Interested candidates should submit their applications at apply.interfolio.com/173301. Questions about the program can be directed to worldhouse@pwh.upenn.edu.
The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer and considers candidates for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
This fellowship represents a significant opportunity for emerging scholars to advance their research agendas while contributing to critical global policy conversations at one of the nation’s leading institutions for international affairs scholarship.
For more information, visit their website here
Stay on opportunitiesforwomen.org/ for more opportunities.
Copyright 2025 Site. All rights reserved powered by Opportunities for Women
Comments are off for this post.