2027-28 Reischauer Institute Postdoctoral Fellowships in Japanese Studies at Harvard University – Cambridge, MA

Summary

Harvard University’s Edwin O. Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies and the Weatherhead Center’s U.S.-Japan Program are offering two postdoctoral fellowships in Japanese Studies for recent Ph.D. graduates. Fellows receive a $70,000 stipend, up to $5,000 in research funds, and full Harvard benefits, including health coverage, office space, and library access. Appointments are year‑long, beginning August or September 2027, and require residence in the Boston/Cambridge area, a research presentation, and possible teaching duties. Candidates must hold a Ph.D. earned in 2022 or later, submit a research statement, CV, transcript, dissertation materials, and two references. The application deadline is 18 December 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Edwin O. Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies
Position Type	Postdoctoral Fellowship
Discipline	Japanese Studies
Research Area	Japanese Studies
Degree Required	PhD
Salary	$70,000 stipend plus up to $5,000 research funds
Funding	Stipend
Contract Duration	1 year
Deadline	2026-12-18
Required Documents	Statement of Research (2 pages), Curriculum Vitae, Official transcript, Dissertation Abstract (1 page), Dissertation Table of Contents, Dissertation Chapter or published article, 2 references
Employer Contact	Phone: (617) 495-3220; Email: [email protected]

About the Project

The fellowship provides scholars the opportunity to transform their dissertations into publishable monographs, conduct further research using Harvard’s resources, and engage with the academic community through presentations and possible teaching assignments.

Key Responsibilities

• Reside in the greater Boston/Cambridge area for the appointment term
• Give a presentation on research during the fellowship
• May be invited to teach a Harvard class
• Utilize office space and library resources provided by Harvard

Who Should Apply

Recent Ph.D. graduates (earned 2022 or later) in Japanese studies or related humanities and social‑science fields who wish to develop their dissertation into a publishable manuscript and continue research in Japanese studies.

Benefits

• $70,000 stipend
• Research funds up to $5,000
• Subsidized medical, dental, and vision benefits through Harvard
• Office space
• Access to Harvard libraries and resources

About the Employer

Harvard University will offer two types of postdoctoral fellowships in Japanese Studies through the Edwin O. Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies and the U.S.-Japan Program at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs. The fellowships aim to support recent Ph.D. graduates in turning dissertations into publishable manuscripts and advancing research in Japanese studies, providing full Harvard benefits and access to university resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the stipend amount?

The fellowship provides a $70,000 stipend plus up to $5,000 in research funds.

When does the appointment start?

Appointments commence in August or September 2027.

How many references are required?

Two references must be submitted.