Harry Starr Fellowship in Judaica

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University invites applications for the 2027-2028 Harry Starr Fellowship in Judaica on the theme of Jews and the Environment in the Ancient World. The program seeks scholars working on Jews and the natural world in antiquity across archaeology, biblical studies, environmental humanities, and related fields. Applicants must have their Ph.D.

by January 2027 or provide verification from the registrar. The fellowship is expected to cover the academic year; on-campus presence is required and

Qualifications

• Ph.D. required; must be in hand by January 2027 or have verification from registrar.

Responsibilities

• Submit a short project proposal, CV (PDF), and two letters of recommendation.
• Fellows are expected to be present on campus for the duration of the appointment and to participate in Starr Seminars.
• Eligible scholars from archaeology, biblical studies, environmental humanities, Second Temple Judaism, rabbinics, and theology are encouraged to apply.

Education

Ph.D. required

Job description

Position Title

Harry Starr Fellowship in Judaica

Position Description

Harvard University Center for Jewish Studies has opened applications for the 2027-2028 Harry Starr Fellowship in Judaica on the theme of Jews and the Environment in the Ancient World.

We invite applications from scholars working on the relationship between Jews and the natural world in antiquity (broadly understood). We welcome projects from all angles and disciplines, including archaeology and environmental history (risk management, adaptations to locality, and the co‑constructed environments of ancient Jewish communities), biblical studies and theology (the ways Jews conceptualized divine agency in relation to weather, atmospheric phenomena as expressions of divine will or as signs of legitimacy, an environmental hermeneutic on texts), the history of scientific thinking about nature and climate among ancient Jews (and in relation to that of neighboring and peer communities), the place of the environment in ancient apocalyptic and eschatological thought (and its relevance to current wrestling with the Anthropocene and the climate crisis), and much more.

We hope that this broad and interdisciplinary theme will bring together scholars from ancient history, archaeology, biblical studies, the environmental humanities, Second Temple Judaism, rabbinics, and theology.

Applicants must have their Ph.D. degree in hand by the end of January 2027* or a letter from the degree‑granting institution’s registrar’s office as a verification document confirming that the requirements of the degree were completed, and the date on which the degree will be conferred. Please provide documentation of the Ph.D. degree upon accepting the fellowship.

Eligibility

• Ph.D. required.

Special Instructions

Applicants are required to submit a short project proposal, C.V. (all files must be pdfs), and two letters of recommendation.

Starr Fellows are expected to be present on campus for the duration of their appointment. Fellows are expected to participate in our weekly Starr Seminars during the spring semester. We encourage fellows to come for the entire year.

The application deadline is December 11, 2026.

The recommendation deadline is December 18, 2026.

Minimum Number of References Required2Maximum Number of References Allowed3KeywordsJewish studies, Postdoctoral Fellowship

Contact Information

• Program Coordinator: Sandy Cantave
• Email: [e-mail]
• Phone: [phone]
• Location: 6 Divinity Ave, Suite 210 Cambridge, MA 02138

Salary Range

• $40,000 for the spring semester or $70,000 for the full academic year.

Keywords

• Jewish studies
• Postdoctoral Fellowship

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non‑discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non‑discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Supplemental Questions

• * What is your current university or institution? (Open Ended Question)
• * When (month and year) was your doctoral degree granted or expected to be granted? Which University granted your PhD degree and in which academic field was your PhD granted? (Open Ended Question)
• * Title of Proposal: (Open Ended Question)
• * Please provide an abstract or short summary of your proposed fellowship research project. 200-300 words (Open Ended Question)
• If you have recently held another Harvard appointment, please indicate the title(s) and date(s). (Open Ended Question)
• Please provide a list of all other fellowships and positions to which you have applied or will apply for the fellowship academic year. (Open Ended Question)
• * When do you plan to be in residence at Harvard? Academic yearSpring semester How did you hear about this posting (please provide the name of the website)? (Open Ended Question)

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae
• Project Proposal

Optional Documents

• Additional Letter

PI287527265