Ethics & Civics Postdoctoral Fellowship at Harvard University – Cambridge, MA in USA

Summary

The Ethics & Civics Postdoctoral Fellowship at Harvard University's Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Ethics invites scholars from any discipline who have earned a doctoral degree within the past three years. Fellows join the Research & Design Studio, focusing on the ethical and political dimensions of disagreement, and develop research and pedagogical tools. The residential fellowship offers a $7,000 monthly stipend, up to $3,000 research allowance, and may include teaching a Harvard class. It lasts one year, renewable for a second year, and requires advanced English proficiency. Applicants must submit a cover letter, CV, research proposal, lesson plan, writing sample, transcript, and three references by 15 November 2026.

Key Facts

Position Type	Postdoctoral Fellowship
Discipline	All disciplines
Research Area	Ethical and political dimensions of disagreement
Degree Required	Doctoral degree (PhD)
Salary	$7,000 per month plus up to $3,000 research allowance per year
Funding	Stipend
Contract Duration	One year, renewable for a second year
Language	English
Deadline	2026-11-15
Employer Address	124 Mount Auburn Street, Suite 520N Cambridge, MA 02138
Employer Contact	[email protected]

About the Project

Fellows will pursue individual research projects centered on the ethical and political aspects of disagreement, aiming to produce scholarly outputs, teaching tools, or public engagement initiatives. They will work with the Center’s research and pedagogy teams to translate their work into practical applications, contribute to the Research & Design Studio’s agenda, and participate in seminars, workshops, and public programming.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the pedagogy team to develop tools or instructional applications related to research and teaching interests
• Participate in regular seminars with cohort and Center members
• Engage actively with the Center's broader programming, including lectures, seminars, and workshops
• Advance individual research projects with support from the research team
• Potentially teach a Harvard class during the appointment
• Maintain residency in the Boston area with at least three days per week on site

Required Skills

• Advanced written and spoken English proficiency
• Ability to develop pedagogical tools and instructional applications
• Research experience in ethics, civics, or related fields
• Collaborative work within an interdisciplinary team
• Capacity to present and discuss work in English

Who Should Apply

Applicants who have completed a PhD within the last three years, possess advanced written and spoken English skills, and are interested in ethics, civics, and the study of disagreement across disciplines. The fellowship welcomes candidates from any discipline or professional field who wish to develop research and pedagogical tools and engage in a collaborative community.

Benefits

• $7,000 monthly stipend
• Research allowance up to $3,000 per year for approved expenses
• Residential fellowship with Boston-area residency requirement
• Opportunity to develop and showcase pedagogical tools
• Potential invitation to teach a Harvard class
• Renewable for a second year at the Center’s discretion

About the Employer

Harvard University's Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Ethics, founded in 1986, brings together scholars and practitioners to address pressing ethical questions. The Center’s Research & Design Studio fosters interdisciplinary collaboration on the ethical and political dimensions of disagreement, aiming to strengthen civil discourse in higher education and public life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly stipend?

The stipend is $7,000 per month.

Is there additional funding for research expenses?

Yes, up to $3,000 per academic year may be provided as a research allowance.

How long is the fellowship and can it be renewed?

The fellowship lasts one year and may be renewed for a second year at the Center’s discretion.

What documents must be submitted with the application?

A brief cover letter, CV, research proposal, lesson plan, recent writing sample, unofficial transcript, and names and contact information for three references.

Are international applicants eligible?

Yes, the fellowship is open to all applicants regardless of citizenship.

What English language requirements are there?

Advanced written and spoken English skills are required; materials must be in English, and proficiency may be demonstrated via degree, TOEFL, or IELTS.