Social and economic inequality are urgent problems for our society, with implications for a range of outcomes from economic growth and political stability to crime, public health, family wellbeing,
and social trust. The Inequality in America Initiative Postdoctoral Program seeks applications from recent PhD recipients interested in joining an interdisciplinary network of Harvard researchers who are working to address the multiple challenges of inequality
and uncover solutions.
The postdoctoral training program is intended to seed new research directions; facilitate collaboration and mentorship across
disciplines; develop new leaders in the study of inequality who can publish at the highest level, reach the widest audience, and impact policy; and deepen teaching expertise on the subject of inequality.
The fellowship is a two-year postdoctoral training program, with an optional third year conditional on program director approval and independent funding. The salary is $65,000/year plus fringe benefits,
including health insurance eligibility.
The award will include appropriate office space; a one-time grant of $2500 for the purchase of computer equipment; a $10,000 research account to support research-related expenses; and up to $2500
per year reimbursement for research-related travel.
The program director will pair each fellow with two Harvard faculty mentors, including one from outside the fellow’s primary discipline. Over 50 Harvard
faculty are affiliated with the initiative, participating in one or more of five major research clusters:
·
America Inequality, Globally
·
Governance, Citizenship, and Social
Justice
·
Science, Technology, Education, and
Health
·
Work, Family, and Opportunity
Applicants should indicate on their applications the research cluster that seems most relevant to their work, as this will aid in identifying appropriate mentors. The fellows will have ample opportunity
and encouragement, however, to make connections with faculty from across the initiative.
Applicants to the 2018-19 program must have received a doctorate or terminal degree in May 2015 or later; those applicants without a doctorate or terminal degree must demonstrate that they will receive
such a degree no later than August 2018.
The application must include the following:
1.
A cover letter that identifies the primary research cluster(s) with whom the applicant would like to work.
2.
A CV
3.
A 2-4-page statement of research interests. The statement should explain the importance and potential impact of this research, and how it connects with the goals of
the program.
4.
Up to three writing samples.
5.
Two letters of recommendation.
The completed application, including letters of recommendation, must be received by January
16, 2018. All materials must be submitted at http://academicpositions.harvard.edu/postings/7873.
In order to give referees time to provide their letters, applicants are encouraged to submit their applications by January 2, 2018, at latest. We will announce decisions in late March.
Harvard candidates: Those who received terminal degrees
from Harvard and postdocs currently working at Harvard are eligible for the fellowship provided their research plans take them in new directions that are significantly distinct from their PhD research and forge new connections within the University. Harvard
candidates should not propose to continue to work with the same professors or lab groups with whom they are currently associated. No candidate should propose to work extensively with his or her thesis advisor.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national
origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Minorities and women are especially encouraged to apply.