Applications for Predoctoral Fellowships Now Open

Penn Development Research Initiative/DevLab@Penn (PDRI-DevLab) at the University of Pennsylvania invites applications for its predoctoral fellowship program. The program provides hands-on research experience to early career researchers, expand the representation of researchers from low and lower-middle income countries in international development research, and provide a pathway for students who otherwise might find it difficult to make the transition to globally competitive PhD programs. We encourage applications from recent BA, BS, MA, or MS graduates with a strong desire to attend a top global PhD program in the social sciences; we particularly encourage applications from first generation college students. We welcome applicants from a wide variety of research backgrounds and do not require a particular country focus or expertise. The predoctoral researchers will work on PDRI-DevLab research projects, receive mentorship from Penn faculty, and take classes. The combination of applied research and traditional coursework qualify fellows for an F-1 student visa.  

Applicants should send the following materials: 

• C.V.  

• Transcript/s 
• A letter outlining research interests and fit with the goals of the fellowship. This letter should: a) outline prior experience that has led you to be interested in research on development and aspire to attain a PhD; b) explain your research interests; and c) explain how those aspirations overlap with the lab’s work and the goals of this fellowship. Letters should not exceed three single-spaced pages.  

The free, online application form is available here. A list of Frequently Asked Questions is available here. A pre-recorded information session is available here.

We will begin reviewing applications on September 9. The final date to apply is September 15.