Academy Scholar, Harvard Academy International and Area Studies

Title:

Academy Scholar, The Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies

School:
Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Department/Area:
Weatherhead Center for International Affairs

The Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies is dedicated to promoting innovative social science research 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 Academy Scholars are a select community of individuals who possess resourcefulness, initiative, and originality. Their 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 to pursue innovative interdisciplinary approaches and are mentored by Harvard Academy Senior Scholars.

Each year, five to six Academy Scholars are named for two‑year, in‑residence appointments with an annual stipend of $80,000 and annual research support of $6,000. The two years must 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 of up to 12 months to accept or continue 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.

All application materials must be submitted by the. Late applications are not accepted.

The completed application will include the following:

• Curriculum vitae (CV), including a list of publications
• Research proposal (maximum 2000 words), including intellectual objectives and planned methodological and disciplinary work
• One scholarly writing sample, e.g., a PhD dissertation chapter or peer‑reviewed journal article; co‑authored texts are acceptable if each author’s contribution is clearly specified. The sample must be in English and no longer than fifty pages
• A copy of your PhD program transcript
• Three letters of recommendation (uploaded directly and confidentially by the recommender through the online application)

All parts of the application, including the three letters of recommendation, are submitted online as PDF documents. The online application can be accessed through the Harvard Academy website: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

All materials except for letters of recommendation must be received by 18 September 2026, 11:59 PM EDT. Letters of recommendation must arrive no later than 28 September 2026, 11:59 PM EDT. The selection process will begin immediately thereafter, and awards will be announced in December 2026.

Basic Qualifications:

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

The Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies
Harvard University
1727 Cambridge Street
Cambridge, MA 02138 USA

Email: applicationinquiriesvard.edu