Postdoc in Climate and Environmental Studies in Harvard University – USA

Summary

The Weatherhead Scholars Program at Harvard University's Weatherhead Center for International Affairs is offering the Hicham Alaoui Postdoctoral Fellowship for the 2027–2028 academic year. This is a one-year residential opportunity for early-career scholars in the social sciences whose research focuses on climate and environmental issues in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Fellows will join a multidisciplinary cohort, participate in weekly seminars and professional development workshops, and engage with the broader Harvard community. Applicants must have received a PhD in a relevant social science field within the past three calendar years. The fellowship provides a stipend of $70,000 payable over twelve months. The application deadline is October 8, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Weatherhead Center for International Affairs
Position Type	Postdoctoral Fellow
Discipline	Social Sciences
Research Area	Climate and Environmental Studies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
Degree Required	PhD in a relevant social science field
Experience	Early-career scholar with PhD received within the past three calendar years
Salary	70,000 USD
Funding	Hicham Alaoui Postdoctoral Fellowship
Contract Duration	One year
Deadline	2026-10-08
Required Documents	Curriculum Vitae, Cover Letter, Statement of Research, Dissertation Abstract
Employer Address	Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, Harvard University
Employer Contact	Walid Hammam, [email protected]

About the Project

The Hicham Alaoui Postdoctoral Fellowship supports independent research on climate and environmental issues in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Fellows will be part of a multidisciplinary cohort at Harvard, engaging in a weekly seminar and professional development workshops. The program aims to foster a dynamic intellectual community and bridge academia with practice, drawing scholars from various disciplines and professional backgrounds.

Key Responsibilities

• Be on campus from late August through mid-May
• Participate actively in program activities
• Pursue independent research
• Participate in a weekly seminar
• Participate in professional development sessions
• Participate in collaborative programming across the Center
• May be invited to teach a Harvard class

Required Skills

• PhD in a relevant social science field (e.g., political science, sociology, anthropology, history, economics, public policy, environmental studies)
• Research focus on climate and/or environmental issues in the Middle East and North Africa

Who Should Apply

This fellowship is suitable for early-career scholars in the social sciences who have received their PhD within the last three calendar years. Applicants must have research interests focused on climate and/or environmental issues specifically within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Candidates with external funding are also welcome to apply.

Benefits

• Stipend of $70,000 payable over twelve months
• Opportunity to join a multidisciplinary cohort of postdoctoral fellows, visiting faculty, and practitioner fellows
• Participation in a weekly seminar
• Access to professional development workshops
• Engagement with the broader Weatherhead Center and Harvard communities
• Opportunity to pursue independent research
• Potential invitation to teach a Harvard class

About the Employer

The Weatherhead Center for International Affairs is Harvard's largest international research center, established in 1958. It supports rigorous scholarship on global, comparative, transnational, and international issues, bringing together faculty, fellows, and students to address global challenges such as conflict, governance, inequality, environmental change, migration, and international development. It serves as an interdisciplinary hub for research exchange and public dialogue. The Weatherhead Scholars Program is a key initiative that hosts an intellectually diverse international cohort of researchers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the fellowship?

The fellowship is a one-year residential opportunity.

What is the stipend for this fellowship?

The stipend for the Hicham Alaoui Postdoctoral Fellow is $70,000, payable over twelve months.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is October 8, 2026.

What are the eligibility requirements for applicants?

Applicants must have received a PhD within the past three calendar years in a relevant social science field, with research focusing on climate and/or environmental issues in the Middle East and North Africa. The PhD must be conferred before the fellowship start date.

What documents are required for the application?

Required documents include a Curriculum Vitae, Cover Letter, Statement of Research, and Dissertation Abstract.

Can applicants with external funding apply?

Yes, applicants with external funding are welcome to apply but must undergo the same review process.