Postdoctoral Research Fellow

School: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Department/Area: Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Lee Kum Sheung (LKS) Center for Health and Happiness in the Department for Social and Behavioral Sciences at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health seeks applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to conduct relevant research and work with the Center Director, Dr. Vish Viswanath, and the team on scientific and programmatic initiatives. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow should have a primary interest that aligns with the LKS Center’s mission to build a rigorous and interdisciplinary science of positive health, happiness, and well‑being with a focus on health equity, and to translate the science to influence practice and policy.

They should have experience conducting research that seeks to understand well-being in the broadest sense, including the interconnections between social, psychological, and physical health. Other areas of interest for the Center include the measurement of well‑being and the translation of scientific findings to influence public health practice and policy.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will support research‑related activities of the Center, including study design and field‑based data collection (either in person or through digital data collection), large‑scale secondary data analyses, data visualization, manuscript preparation and publication, grant writing, and oral presentations. The Center is developing a variety of activities and expects the Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work with the Center Director and the team in areas such as:

• Curriculum development for workshops
• Conceptualization and implementation of workshops and symposia
• Well‑being and new technologies such as AI, social media and bid data

They will work with the Center Director to mentor students involved in Center activities and engage with relevant partners and potential donors within the community and at the national and international levels.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will work closely with and report to Dr. Vish Viswanath, Center Director. They will receive an annual evaluation of progress and will be supported in their career development. This is a one‑year appointment, renewable for up to two additional years contingent upon performance, quality, and impact of contributions and collaborations in service of the Center’s mission and funding.

Research‑related (60%)

• Lead a portfolio of research activities including original research and projects congruent with the Center’s research agenda.
• Demonstrate advanced skills and knowledge in analyzing data, writing, publishing (e.g., in peer‑reviewed journals), and disseminating science (e.g., scientific conferences).
• Supervise research staff and provide mentorship to student interns at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Programmatic support (40%) Assist in scientific leadership for the Center. This can include activities such as:

• Support the implementation of seminars, workshops, and international conferences/symposia sponsored by the Center, ensuring scientific rigor.
• Engage with community partners or other investigators interested in learning about research at the Center or partnering with the Center.
• Assist with course development at Harvard Chan and/or in Exec Ed, Harvard
  
  X, or short courses.
• Aid in the development of measurement tools and the creation and updating of repositories of well‑being measures, resilience measures, and evidence‑based interventions.
• Participate in the evaluation of grant proposals or student funding awarded by the Center.
• Contribute to grant writing and development activities connected to the Center’s mission.

Full‑time, hybrid with a minimum of three on‑campus days per week. Remote work not permitted.

One year from date of hire, with possible extension up to two additional years, contingent upon performance and contribution to the center’s mission.

• Doctoral‑level degree in public health, social sciences, or a related discipline
• Proof of successful dissertation defense
• Strong research…