Visiting Scholar or Fellow (Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies)

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Borrowing privileges at Harvard libraries

Opportunity to audit Harvard courses

Invitations to exclusive events

Job summary

Harvard University seeks Visiting Scholars and Fellows at the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies to pursue research related to Russia and/or Eurasia. Candidates can apply for a fellowship ranging from three to twelve months and are expected to participate actively in academic activities.

This unpaid position requires securing external funding and health insurance independently. Eligible candidates include tenured faculty and exceptional Ph.D. candidates, with attendance at the New Research Workshop mandatory.

Qualifications

• Research proposals must focus on topics related to Russia and/or Eurasia.
• Must commit to a fellowship of no less than three months and no more than twelve months.
• Participation in New Research Workshop each week is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Pursue research with support from an interdisciplinary community.
• Engage in Davis Center academic activities, lectures, seminars, and workshops.
• Write a report summarizing fellowship activities.

Education

Ph.D. (at the time of application)

Job description

Visiting Scholar or Fellow (Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies)

This position is unpaid and is not eligible for Harvard employee benefits.

Citizens of all countries may apply. International scholars may receive visa support from the Harvard International Office. Both junior and senior scholars are encouraged to apply, and applicants must commit to a fellowship of no less than three and no more than twelve months, corresponding to Harvard’s academic calendar.

Position Description

The Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies’s Visiting Scholar Program offers comprehensive research, training, and professional development opportunities for scholars whose research relates to Russia and/or Eurasia. Visiting Scholars and Fellows pursue their research with support from an interdisciplinary community and access to world‑class resources. Research proposals on topics related to the Baltics, Eastern Europe, Southeast Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Russia are welcome.

About this position

• This position is unpaid.
• Applicants are required to secure external funding independently, including funding from home institutions or grant sources.
• Applicants must secure health insurance independently.
• Citizens of all countries may apply; international scholars may receive visa support from the Harvard International Office.
• All Visiting Scholars, Postdocs, and Fellows receive borrowing privileges at Harvard libraries, and, in some cases, may receive shared office space at the Davis Center.
• Special invitations to visitors-only events and other closed event opportunities.
• Opportunity to audit Harvard courses at the discretion of the course instructor.
• Opportunity to present research in the New Research Workshop and receive feedback from colleagues and faculty on works‑in‑progress.
• Opportunity to participate in Davis Center programming including seminars, conferences, and other academic activities.

Basic Qualifications

• Research proposals must focus on topics related to Russia and/or Eurasia, as defined by the Davis Center.
• Applicants must commit to a fellowship of no less than three months and no more than twelve months, corresponding to Harvard’s academic calendar.
• Citizens of all countries may apply.

Program Categories

Visiting Scholars: Tenured or tenure‑track faculty with a current appointment at a university or research institute. Must hold a Ph.D. at the time of application.

Fellows: Professionals with specialized knowledge of the region or exceptional Ph.D. candidates in the final stages of their candidacy. Not appropriate for individuals who have completed their Ph.D. or who are early in their Ph.D. journey.

Postdoctoral Fellows: Scholars must use external funds to support their post‑doctoral opportunity. Outside funding must meet the appropriate NIH step for their experience level. Separate from this, the Davis Center offers two fully‑funded postdoctoral fellowships annually—one in history and one in Slavic languages and literatures.

Additional Qualifications

• Participate in the New Research Workshop; attendance and active participation each week is mandatory.
• Prioritize Davis Center research and be free of other academic commitments.
• Actively engage in Davis Center academic activities, lectures, seminars, and workshops.
• Be on campus for the entire duration of the Harvard appointment.
• For foreign nationals, maintain the Harvard‑sponsored J‑1 scholar visa.

Visiting Scholars may also be asked to write a report at the end of their fellowship summarizing their activities.

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.