Weatherhead Scholars Program Postdoctoral Fellowship in International Affairs

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard University’s Weatherhead Center for International Affairs invites applications for the Weatherhead Scholars Program Postdoctoral Fellowship in International Affairs. The fellow will join a multidisciplinary cohort in residence, attend weekly seminars, and engage in professional development while contributing to the Weatherhead Center’s scholarly community.

The fellowship supports early-career scholars in political science, sociology, anthropology, history, economics, or related fields.

Qualifications

• PhD conferred before the fellowship start date.
• Preference for recent graduates who have not previously held a postdoctoral position.
• Applicants with external funding are welcome to apply but will undergo the same review process.

Responsibilities

• Join a multidisciplinary cohort in residence at Harvard University for the academic year.
• Participate in weekly seminars and professional development workshops.
• May be invited to teach a Harvard class during the appointment.

Education

PhD within the past three calendar years in a relevant field (e.g., political science, sociology, anthropology, history, economics, psychology, public policy, international relations, or climate/environmental studies)

Job description

Weatherhead Scholars Program Postdoctoral Fellowship in International Affairs

Title Weatherhead Scholars Program Postdoctoral Fellowship in International Affairs

School

School Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Department/Area

Department/Area Weatherhead Center for International Affairs

Postdoctoral Fellows join a multidisciplinary cohort—including visiting faculty and practitioner fellows—in residence at Harvard University for the academic year. The program fosters a dynamic intellectual community through a weekly seminar, professional development workshops, and engagement with the broader Weatherhead Center and Harvard communities. Fellows are expected to be on campus from late August through mid‑May and to actively participate in program activities. The Postdoctoral Fellow may be invited to teach a Harvard class during the course of their appointment.

About the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs

The Weatherhead Center is Harvard’s largest international research center, supporting rigorous scholarship on global, comparative, transnational, and international issues. Founded in 1958, the Center brings together faculty, fellows, and students from across the University to address pressing global challenges, including conflict and governance, inequality, environmental change, migration, and international development. It serves as an interdisciplinary hub for research, exchange, and public dialogue.

About the Weatherhead Scholars Program

The Weatherhead Scholars Program is a flagship initiative of the Center that brings together a intellectually diverse, international cohort of postdoctoral researchers, visiting faculty, and practitioner fellows for a year‑long residency. Fellows pursue independent research while participating in a weekly seminar, professional development sessions, and collaborative programming across the Center. The program cultivates a vibrant intellectual community that bridges academia and practice, drawing scholars from a wide range of disciplines and professional backgrounds—including government, journalism, diplomacy, civil society, and academia.

Funding

Funding Funded Postdoctoral Fellows will receive a stipend of $70,000, paid over twelve months. If you hold outside funding and wish to be considered, please note this in your cover letter and an email to Walid Hammam, Director of the Weatherhead Scholars Program.

Basic Qualifications

Applicants must have received a PhD within the past three calendar years in a relevant field, such as political science, sociology, anthropology, history, economics, psychology, public policy, international relations, or climate/environmental studies. The PhD must be conferred before the fellowship start date. Preference is given to recent graduates who have not previously held a postdoctoral position. Applicants with external funding are welcome to apply but must undergo the same review process. Please email the Director of the Weatherhead Scholars Program at [e-mail]

APPLICATION DEADLINE

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS October 8, 2026. PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR A LIST OF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.

Letters of Recommendation

The application will ask for the name and contact information of your references. Once your application is submitted, the system will automatically email your recommender with instructions for uploading their letter. The deadline for letters of recommendation is October 15, 2026. You may track the status of your letter through the application portal. We recommend submitting your application in advance of the deadline to ensure your recommender has sufficient time.

Contact Information

Walid Hammam
Director, Weatherhead Scholars Program
Weatherhead Center for International Affairs
Harvard University

Democracy and Governance, Migration and Refugees, Political Economy, International Development, Global Security, Public Policy, International Relations, International Affairs, Conflict Resolution, Environmental Policy, Sustainable Development, Humanitarian Aid, Diplomacy, Global Health, Transnational Issues, Social Justice, Economic Development, Global Governance, Cultural Diplomacy, Trade and Investment, International Law, Peacebuilding, Non‑Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Human Rights, International Institutions, Foreign Policy, Civil Society, International Cooperation, War and Peace, Human Security.

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

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• In what year did you receive your Ph.D.?

  (Open Ended Question)

• Please list your research interests (200 character limit)

  (Open Ended Question)

• Will you hold a doctoral degree by the date indicated in the job advertisement?
  • Yes
  • No
• Please list any faculty member(s) with related research interests.

  (Open Ended Question)

• Please provide a short description of your fellowship research plan, why you want to come to Harvard, and your goals for the fellowship period (ex. monograph project, specific archival collections on campus, etc). 200-300 words.

  (Open Ended Question)

• Please indicate the academic discipline of your PhD
  • Political Science
  • Anthropology
  • History
  • Economics
  • Sociology
  • Other