Harvard Quantum Initiative Prize Postdoctoral Fellow

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University in Cambridge, MA seeks a highly qualified Postdoctoral Fellow for the Harvard Quantum Initiative Prize. The appointment supports interdisciplinary research across physics, chemistry, mathematics and engineering, with emphasis on quantum information, many-body physics, and quantum metrology.

The initial appointment is for one year with renewal contingent on funding and performance; applicants should have a Ph.D.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in quantum science and engineering field or related areas.
• Strong background in interdisciplinary research and collaboration.
• Ability to conduct research across HQI-affiliated disciplines across multiple departments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research in quantum science and engineering.
• Collaborate across physics, chemistry, mathematics, and engineering faculties.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at HQI events.

Skills

Quantum information

Many-body physics

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in quantum science and engineering

Job description

Harvard Quantum Initiative Prize Postdoctoral Fellow

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Please be aware that all finalists will be invited to the Harvard campus for interviews within the first 2.5 weeks of December. The interview dates for 2026 are expected to be December 10-11; we would appreciate you holding those dates open if you wish to be considered for the fellowship.

Position

Title Harvard Quantum Initiative Prize Postdoctoral Fellow

School Multiple Schools - Joint Search

Department/Area Harvard Quantum Initiative

Position Description

The Harvard Quantum Initiative in Science and Engineering ( HQI ) seeks postdoctoral fellows for the academic year 2027-2028. The HQI is an interdisciplinary initiative that pairs basic science with quantum engineering, taking place across the departments of Physics, Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Mathematics and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Active research areas include quantum information and computer science; quantum many-body physics; quantum precision measurements and fundamental physics; quantum metrology, sensing, and control; and quantum chemistry and materials science. A full list of current HQI -affiliated faculty may be found at www.quantum.harvard.edu.

We invite applications for Postdoctoral Fellowships in Quantum Science and Engineering. The initial appointment is for one year at a time with renewal for a second and third year contingent upon continued funding and satisfactory performance. Applicants should have a strong background for pursuit of research in their area of interest.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in a rich cross-disciplinary environment within the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Applications focused on collaborative and cross-disciplinary research are especially encouraged. For current Harvard graduate students, consideration will be given to candidates who wish to join a lab different from where they did their PhD research.

Basic Qualifications

Ph.D. in quantum science and engineering field, including but not limited to Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering and related fields.

The committee will begin reviewing applications for the position on November 2, 2026, with on-campus interviews taking place the week of December 7. While the posting will remain live until all positions are filled, candidates are advised to have all materials, including letters of recommendation, submitted by November 1, 2026, to receive full consideration for the fellowship.

Contact Information

Contact Email

Salary Range

$67,600-$80,000
Pay offered to the selected candidate is dependent on factors such as years of experience, training or qualification, field of scholarship, and accomplishments in the field.Information about benefits can be found on the Harvard Human Resources website.

Minimum Number of References Required

Minimum Number of References Required 3

Maximum Number of References Allowed

Maximum Number of References Allowed 5

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.