Academy Scholar

Teachpsych; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

In-residence fellowship

Stipend $80,000

Research support $6,000

Job summary

The Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies invites applications for the Academy Scholars postdoctoral fellowship in Cambridge, MA. Open to recent PhD recipients and advanced doctoral candidates in the social sciences, this two-year, in-residence program provides an $80,000 annual stipend plus $6,000 in research support.

Scholars are mentored by a senior scholars cohort, attend seminars, and may teach a Harvard class during their appointment, with an August 1, 2027 start date and

Qualifications

• Open to recipients of PhD or equivalent degrees within two years of the start date.
• Candidates should conduct independent research in the social sciences.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research and contribute to scholarly activities.
• Attend seminars, dinners, and contribute to Harvard Academy events.
• Mentor by a cohort of senior scholars and potentially teach a Harvard class.

Skills

Postdoctoral research

Social science

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Regional knowledge

Education

PhD or equivalent degree

Job description

Salary: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 Annually

Application Deadline: Sep 18, 2026

Faculty, Other

This program is open to recent PhD recipients and doctoral candidates in the social sciences.

The Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies is dedicated to promoting innovative social science hand-in-hand with deepening our shared knowledge of the experiences and practices of the world's regions and countries. The Academy Scholars Program identifies and supports outstanding researchers at the start of their academic careers whose work combines excellence in a social science discipline with a command of the language and knowledge or expertise of countries or regions outside of the United States or Canada. The scholarship of the group spans traditional disciplinary divisions and elucidates comparative, transnational, and domestic issues, past and present.

The Academy Scholars are a select community of individuals possessed of resourcefulness, initiative, and originality whose work shows promise as a foundation for careers in research universities or international institutions.

Academy Scholars are appointed for a two-year, in-residence, postdoctoral fellowship at The Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA. They receive substantial financial and research assistance which permits them to undertake robust research projects and skills development in their chosen fields and areas. They meet at dinners, seminars, and informal get-togethers in order to pursue innovative interdisciplinary approaches to their work. They are mentored by the Harvard Academy Senior Scholars, a cohort of faculty members who act as a selection committee, participate in Harvard Academy events, and are committed to supporting the Academy Scholars as they work to achieve their potential.

These awards are open to recipients of PhD or equivalent degrees granted within two years of the August 1, 2027, start date and advanced doctoral candidates in the social sciences. Scholars nearing dissertation completion must be able to submit degree conferral documentation issued by their university registrar’s office by June 30, 2027, for an August 1, 2027, start date.Individuals who hold or have completed another postdoctoral fellowship are not eligible to apply.

Terms

Each year, five to six Academy Scholars are named for two-year in-residence appointments with an annual stipend of $80,000 (annual research support of $6,000 is also provided), with the two years to be completed within a three-year window. Year 1 of the fellowship must be taken up no later than the fall immediately following the postdoctoral fellowship offer. Delays or deferrals in the start of Year 1 are not permitted. Between Years 1 and 2, Academy Scholars may apply for a one-time leave (up to 12 months), either to accept or to continue with a tenure-track teaching appointment but for no other professional reason. Academy Scholars may not accept outside funding, awards, or obligations during their appointment. They may be invited to teach a Harvard class during the course of their appointment.