James Buchanan Postdoctoral Fellowship in Political Economy at George Mason University (Fully Funded, USA) George Mason University in United States

The James Buchanan Fellowship is a prestigious, fully funded one-year program hosted by George Mason University in Virginia, USA, and administered by the Mercatus Center. This fellowship is designed for early-career scholars who have completed their PhD within the last six years and currently hold academic or research positions at accredited universities or reputable research institutions. The program aims to introduce fellows to the Austrian, Virginia, and Bloomington schools of political economy, encouraging critical engagement with the ideas of Adam Smith and other foundational thinkers in the field.

Fellows will participate in two in-person weekend colloquia at George Mason University and three virtual days during the academic year. Each session is structured around key readings and includes discussions, lectures, and networking opportunities with Hayek Program scholars, affiliated academics, and alumni. The fellowship provides a total award of up to $8,000, covering a stipend, all required reading materials, travel expenses, and accommodation for the in-person events. Additional opportunities for conference and research funding are available to fellows.

Eligibility is open to scholars of any nationality and discipline, provided their research or teaching interests align with the principles of political economy. Applicants must be able to commit to full participation in all scheduled events and maintain employment at an academic or research institution during the fellowship year. Required application materials include a cover letter detailing academic background and research interests, a current CV, a list of recent academic publications, and responses to short-answer questions. The application deadline is April 15, 2026, with decisions announced approximately 10–12 weeks later.

This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to join a vibrant network of scholars engaged in cutting-edge research in political economy, public choice, and institutional economics. Fellows will benefit from exposure to contemporary applications of these ideas and gain access to a supportive academic community at George Mason University and the Mercatus Center.