https://inequalityinamerica.fas.harvard.edu/postdoctoral-program
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 Award
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<https://inequalityinamerica.fas.harvard.edu/people> are affiliated with the
initiative, participating in one or more of five major research clusters:
· America Inequality,
Globally<https://inequalityinamerica.fas.harvard.edu/american-inequality…
· Governance, Citizenship, and Social
Justice<https://inequalityinamerica.fas.harvard.edu/governance-citizensh…
· Mobility and
Migration<https://inequalityinamerica.fas.harvard.edu/mobility-and-migra…
· Science, Technology, Education, and
Health<https://inequalityinamerica.fas.harvard.edu/science-technology-ed…
· Work, Family, and
Opportunity<https://inequalityinamerica.fas.harvard.edu/work-family-and-…
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.
Application Process and Eligibility
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.