About The National Bureau of Asian Research

NBR is an independent, nonpartisan research institution based in Seattle and Washington, D.C. We bring world-class scholarship to bear on the evolving strategic environment in Asia through original, policy-relevant research, and we invest in our future by training the next generation of Asia specialists.

With power, risk, and opportunity concentrating in Asia, we tackle those critical issues that America's leaders need to understand - because the decisions they make matter and the stakes are high. As the nation's Asia policy think tank, we envision a future that is free, open, secure, and prosperous for all.

Japan-U.S. Cyber Policy Fellowship

The NBR Japan-U.S. Cyber Policy Fellowship is an eight-month fellowship that aims to cultivate the next generation of experts shaping Japan’s cybersecurity policy and cyber cooperation with the United States. The Fellowship provides Japanese graduate students, PhD candidates, early-career researchers, or young professionals working in technology and cybersecurity policy an opportunity to publish policy analysis with NBR, engage in high-level policy conversations in the United States and Japan, and receive individualized mentorship from leading experts in the field.

The Fellowship is made possible through the generous support of the Japan Foundation.

Fellows will:

• Participate in quarterly virtual discussions with experts on U.S. and Japanese cybersecurity policy and opportunities for bilateral collaboration.
• Participate in bimonthly virtual meetings with an assigned mentor, who will be a leading expert in the cybersecurity field.
• Research and publish a short NBR policy brief on a policy issue relevant to U.S.-Japan cybersecurity cooperation.
• Travel to Seattle in March 2027 and:
• • Attend NBR’s annual Pacific Technology Policy Conference.
  • Participate in networking activities and side meetings alongside the Conference.
  • Participate in a private workshop on U.S.-Japan cybersecurity cooperation with academic experts and tech sector stakeholders.
• Travel to Washington, D.C. in March 2027 and participate in several days of meetings with U.S. government, Congressional, and think tank stakeholders.
• Attend a public event in Tokyo in April 2027 on U.S.-Japan cybersecurity policy and cyber cooperation, including participation in networking activities.

NBR will cover Fellows’ travel expenses and provide a one-time $1,000 stipend.

Eligibility Requirements

The fellowship is intended for Japanese graduate students, PhD candidates, early-career researchers, or young professionals working in technology or cybersecurity policy, particularly those with expertise in AI, quantum, digital infrastructure, or U.S.-Japan relations. To be eligible, an applicant must:

• Demonstrate a strong academic background and/or professional experience in international relations, technology or cybersecurity policy, or U.S.-Japan cooperation.
• Demonstrate a desire to deepen their understanding of U.S. and Japanese cybersecurity policy issues and advance U.S.-Japan cybersecurity and technology cooperation.
• Have professional working proficiency in English.
• Be a Japanese national residing in Japan.
• Be available and willing to participate in all fellowship programming, including travel as described above.

Application Instructions

The application period for this position will close on August 16, 2026 at 11:59pm ET. To apply, submit the following materials with your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• A current resume of no more than two pages.
• A statement of interest of no more than 600 words addressing:
• • Your interest in advancing U.S.-Japan cybersecurity and/or technology policy cooperation;
  • Relevant experience;
  • A proposed topic for a policy brief addressing a current issue in U.S.-Japan cybersecurity cooperation, and;
  • What you hope to gain from the Fellowship.
    
    

The Fellowship Program team will review all applications and make recommendations to a selection committee that will make final decisions. Awards will be conferred and announced in early September 2026.

Contact

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact fellowships@nbr.org.

Additional Information

This is an educational fellowship program and is not an advertisement for employment with The National Bureau of Asian Research.

If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during either the application or the recruiting process, please email your request to employment@nbr.org.