Last Updated on April 28, 2026 by Scholar Idea
Explore Harvard University Postdoc and Academic Vacancies. Research university in Cambridge, United States. Guide for international applicants.
Harvard University (United States) stands as a global beacon of academic rigor and transformative research, consistently leading international rankings across nearly every discipline. From the historic Harvard Medical School (HMS) in Boston to the cutting-edge labs of the John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) in Cambridge, the university offers an unparalleled environment for scholarly growth.
Furthermore, Harvard’s research ecosystem is built on a foundation of interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing researchers to bridge the gap between theoretical discovery and real-world application. In addition to its vast internal resources, Harvard’s affiliation with world-class teaching hospitals and global research institutes provides a uniquely rich network for professional networking and career advancement.
Consequently, for high-achieving scholars and researchers aiming to secure a place in Harvard University Postdoc and Academic Vacancies, understanding the specific application timelines and faculty-led hiring models is crucial. Below is a detailed overview of the current vacancies and PhD pathways for the upcoming academic year.
Harvard University Postdoc and Academic Vacancies
Ashton B. Carter Visiting Professorship
Harvard Kennedy School
The Harvard Kennedy School seeks applicants for the Ashton B. Carter Visiting Professorship and invites applications for its inaugural incumbent. The position provides an opportunity for a scholar or practitioner from the public or private sector – with demonstrated academic scholarship, intellectual engagement, and/or exceptional professional experience at the nexus of emerging technology, sci…
Post-Doctoral Fellow in Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Myers Lab)
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
The Myers Lab invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position. We areseeking motivated, bright scientists to join our antibiotics drug discovery anddevelopment team in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology atHarvard University (Andrew G. Myers Research Group).1. Prepare antibiotic compounds from milligram to gram scale using state-of-the-art organic synthesis and technology. …
HMS – Postdoctoral Fellow in Albers Lab, part of the Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science
Harvard Medical School
We invite applicants for a postdoctoral fellow position in Albers lab within the Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science at Harvard Medical School in Boston Massachusetts. The work of the Albers lab is focused on mechanisms and therapeutic development of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease . We welcome applications from recent PhD graduates who are interested in these or re…
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Harvard Medical School
We invite applicants for a postdoctoral fellow position in the von Andrian laboratory in the Department of Immunology at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. The work of the von Andrian lab is focused on the molecular mechanisms of immune cell migration and homing in lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues using intravital microscopy techniques. We welcome applications from recent PhD gradu…
Postdoctoral Research Fellow Position – Stem Cells, Aging and Genome Medicine
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
The Laboratory of Stem Cells, Aging and Genome Medicines, headed by Dr. Amy Wagers in Harvard’s Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology (HSCRB), invites applications from highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellows to join our team. Our lab uses stem cell biology, immunology and genome engineering to unravel fundamental mechanisms of tissue regeneration and to develop new gene and cell thera…
Pre-Doctoral Fellow: Reinforcement Learning for Large Scale Foundation Model Post-Training
Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
We invite applications for a Fellow to work with Assistant Professor Kianté Brantley at Harvard SEAS. The lab’s research focuses on improving the capabilities of foundation models using reinforcement learning—from theory to practice. This position will emphasize large‑scale reinforcement learning for post‑training, studying both practical and theoretical issues pertaining to post‑training techn…
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Harvard Medical School
We invite applicants for a postdoctoral fellow position in the Merkenschlager Lab in the Department of Immunology at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. The work of the Merkenschlager Lab focuses on germinal center interactions and how they promote the development of an acquired immune response. We welcome applications from PhD graduates who are interested in this or a related field,…
Postdoctoral Research Fellowship –Nutrition and Global Health
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
The Nutrition and Global Health Program at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow with expertise and interest in global maternal, child, and adolescent health and nutrition. The research fellow will participate in food and nutrition-related projects and contribute to broader global health research in related domains of climate chang…
Fellow in AI/ML for Cellular and Protein Computational Biology
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
The Kempner Institute at Harvard University seeks early-career researchers to help shape the future of AI as Kempner AI Fellows. We are looking for candidates with strong foundations in modern AI/ML and the ambition to develop new AI approaches for high-impact problems in cellular and protein computational biology.This role focuses on applying modern AI/ML methods to protein and cellular biolog…
Postdoc and Academic Vacancies
Fellow in AI/ML for NeuroAI and Computational Neurobiology
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
The Kempner Institute at Harvard University seeks early-career researchers to help shape the future of NeuroAI as Kempner AI Fellows. We are looking for candidates with strong foundations in modern machine learning and the ambition to build brain foundation models and other AI systems that advance our understanding of neural activity, brain circuits, and biologically grounded intelligence.We se…
Fellow in AI/ML for Scientific Applications, Foundation Models, and AI Systems
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
The Kempner Institute at Harvard University seeks early-career researchers to help shape the future of AI as Kempner AI Fellows. We are looking for candidates with strong foundations in modern machine learning and the ambition to advance foundation models, agentic systems, and new AI approaches for high-impact scientific applications.We seek candidates with strong technical preparation in moder…
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Buddhist Ministry
Harvard Divinity School
Harvard Divinity School invites application for the 2026-27 academic year as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow for Buddhist Ministry to join us in Fall 2026. We understand ‘ministry’ in the most capacious sense—that of a leader or caregiver grounded in the Buddhist traditions or drawing from Buddhist wisdom to be of service to the world, whether in a Buddhist community or sangha setting. The Fell…
HMS – Postdoctoral Fellow in Rajpurkar Lab
Harvard Medical School
The Rajpurkar Lab at Harvard Medical School seeks a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to develop and evaluate artificial intelligence methods for physical medical procedures. The fellow will design and implement machine learning models to analyze procedural data, support clinical decision-making, and improve patient outcomes.Responsibilities include conducting original research, preparing manuscript…
One-Year Appointment in Native American Religious Studies
Harvard Divinity School
Harvard Divinity School invites applications for a one-year appointment in Native American Religious Studies for the academic year 2026-27. This position seeks a scholar whose teaching and research engage Indigenous religious traditions, lifeways, and intellectual frameworks in North America, with attention to the ethical, historical, and contemporary dimensions of Native American religious exp…
Visiting Professor of Storytelling Through Film or Storyteller in Residence or Filmmaker in Residence (half-time position)
Harvard Divinity School
Harvard Divinity School invites applications for a one-year Visiting Professor specializing in Storytelling Through Film within a religious, theological, or spiritually-informed context. The ideal candidate is a scholar–practitioner who engages film as a medium for exploring sacred narratives, religious experience, ethical formation, and the role of visual storytelling within faith communities….
Postdoctoral Researcher in Artificial Intelligence and Religion
Harvard Divinity School
We invite applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Artificial Intelligence and Religion based at Harvard Divinity School (HDS). This interdisciplinary position explores how contemporary AI systems interact with religious thought, practice, ethics, institutions, and communities. The postdoc will conduct independent and collaborative research at the intersection of AI, theology, religious st…
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
The John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and the Department of Statistics at Harvard University seeks applicants for a postdoctoral fellow in Electrical and Computer Engineering.This position is for a Postdoctoral Scholar in the area of information theory and artificial intelligence at the Harvard Information Theory Laboratory. The successful candidate will work und…
Post-Doctoral position in Extragalactic Astrophysics (JWST)
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
The Harvard College Observatory invites applications for one or more postdoctoral positions in extragalactic astrophysics, with a focus on observational studies using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).The successful candidate will work with Prof. Daniel Eisenstein and collaborators on the analysis and interpretation of JWST data, with particular emphasis on deep-field observations. The posi…
Postdoctoral Fellow in Neurobiology (Livingstone Lab)
Harvard Medical School
We invite applicants for a postdoctoral fellow position in Livingstone lab at Harvard Medical School in Boston Massachusetts. The work of the Livingstone lab is focused on primate inferotemporal cortex. We welcome applications from recent PhD graduates who are interested in these or related fields, particularly those who may bring a new technology or perspective to bear on the work in the lab. …
Postdoc and Academic Vacancies
Fellow in Biohybrid Systems & Neural Interfaces – Harvard Bionics Lab
Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
The Harvard Bionics Lab is seeking a Fellow to support experimental and translational research at the interface of neural engineering, bioelectronics, and physiology. The role focuses on developing and evaluating sensing technologies for peripheral nerve and organ interfacing, with an emphasis on in vivo rodent (rat/mouse) models.The Fellow will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to des…
Lecturer of Cell Biology and Director of the Core for Imaging Technology & Education (CITE)
Harvard Medical School
The Department of Cell Biology at Harvard Medical School (HMS) seeks an accomplished and collaborative scientist to serve as Lecturer of Cell Biology and Director of the Core for Imaging Technology & Education (CITE). The successful candidate will lead a state-of-the-art light microscopy core facility that provides advanced imaging expertise, training, and strategic scientific support to th…
Research Associate/Data Analyst
Harvard School of Dental Medicine
We are seeking a research Data Analyst in the Department of Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology (OHPE). This position will work with Dr. Hawazin Elani and her team which undertakes a range of health policy projects focused on disparities in oral health.Specific responsibilities of this position include manage various datasets, estimate statistical models, report formats and other analysis consi…
Postdoctoral Position in the Shi laboratory, The Rowland Institute at Harvard
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
We are seeking an intellectually curious and highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the Shi Lab at the Rowland Institute at Harvard.Our research focuses onuncovering the molecular mechanisms that drive brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases. We specialize in decoding glycans—complex carbohydrates that decorate our cells and permeate our brain’s extracellular environment. Despite t…
Postdoctoral Fellow in Plant Humanities at Dumbarton Oaks
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Dumbarton Oaks invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow in Plant Humanities to further the goals of the Plant Humanities Lab, an open-access digital tool that features peer reviewed cultural histories of plants from the perspectives of the humanities, arts, and sciences. Dumbarton Oaks is committed to ongoing development and enhancement of the tool as an Open Education Resource for facult…
Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Urban Economics
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
The Economics Department in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences is currently seeking a full-time Pre-Doctoral Fellow to contribute to a research project related to informal urban transportation in Kampala, Uganda. The project involves primary data collection and a planned randomized experiment. The fellow will be involved in data cleaning, data analysis, design of the experiment, academic and poli…
POST-DOCTORAL FELLOW IN CANCER RESEARCH – SPATIAL BIOLOGY AND PRECISION ONCOLOGY
Harvard Medical School
This Post-Doctoral Fellow position is part of our broader efforts to transform how cancers are classified, diagnosed, and treated through multiplexed tissue imaging, spatial multi-omics, and AI-driven analytics. The successful candidate will lead projects aimed at dissecting the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern tumor progression, therapeutic response, and immune evasion across dive…
CRISES Postdoc
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
The core mission of the Center for Race, Inequality and Social Equity Studies (CRISES) is the scholarly analysis of contemporary ethno-racial inequality, especially as articulated with class-based and gendered social conditions, through rigorous methodologies, theory-driven insights, and empirically grounded research. The social scientific research conducted by CRISES will inform the vision and…
Postdoctoral Writing Fellow – STEM
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
For the academic year 2026–2027, the Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) at Harvard University seeks either a full-time postdoctoral fellow or a half-time postdoctoral fellow in a STEM field to serve as a Writing Specialist in Harvard Griffin GSAS’s Fellowships & Writing Center. The STEM postdoctoral fellow will assist students with all genres of academic writing…
Postdoctoral Writing Fellows – Social Sciences and Humanities
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
For the academic year 2026–2027, the Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) at Harvard University seeks postdoctoral fellows in Social Sciences and Humanities to serve as Writing Specialists in Harvard Griffin GSAS’s Fellowships & Writing Center. Discipline-specific writing specialists will assist students with all genres of academic writing, including fellowship pr…
Postdoc and Academic Vacancies
Postdoctoral Fellow in Agentic AI for Science
Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Professor Jia Liu is seeking a highly-motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in agentic artificial intelligence and machine learning. The successful candidate will conduct independent, high-impact research at the intersection of autonomous AI systems, neural computation, omics and neurobehavior analysis.The position focuses on developing AI agents inspired by and applied to …
HMS – Postdoctoral Fellow in Genetics
Harvard Medical School
The laboratory of Dr. Yankner at Harvard Medical School is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to investigate the molecular genetics and neurobiology underlying microglial and oligodendrocyte function in the context of aging, neurodegeneration, and Alzheimer’s disease. The successful candidate will join a dynamic and collaborative research environment focused on uncovering the cellul…
Postdoctoral Fellow – Health Care Markets, Policy, and Regulation
Harvard Business School
We are inviting applications for a postdoctoral fellowship position. The prospective postdoctoral fellow will work with faculty and students conducting research on health care markets, policy and regulation. During the one or two-year fellowship, the fellow will work with faculty on ongoing research focused on a range of issues including insurance markets, drug pricing, provider pricing, vertic…
Postdoctoral Fellow in Bioinspired Materials for VOC Indoor Air Quality Assessment
Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
The Aizenberg Lab at Harvard University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join a multidisciplinary team to lead a field-based study characterizing volatile organic compound (VOC) exposure across diverse real-world indoor environments. This role offers the opportunity to conduct mobile sensor measurements, analyze air quality data, and generate insights to support the commercialization of …
Postdoctoral Fellow / Visiting Scholar (paid) Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture, Harvard University
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
The Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture (AKPIA) invites applications for paid Postdoctoral Fellow / Visiting Scholar appointments to conduct advanced historical research in Islamic art, architecture, material culture, and archaeology at Harvard University. We welcome applications from recent PhD graduates (as Postdoctoral Fellow) and mid-career scholars/senior scholars (as Visiting Schola…
Postdoctoral Fellow – PKPD Modelling, Lung-on-Chip
Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering
About the Wyss:The Wyss Institute’s mission is to transform healthcare and the environment by emulating the way nature builds. We harness the imagination of academia and the focus of industry to translate ground-breaking technologies into commercial products that solve big problems. We support research that universities, companies, and venture capital firms don’t fund because they view it as to…
Fellow in History of Art and Architecture
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Fellow, CAMLab Harvard University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences Position Overview The CAMLab Fellowship is a research-driven, practice-based position for emerging scholars and practitioners interested in the future of art, technology, and cultural storytelling. Situated at the intersection of art history, cognitive science, and media innovation, the fellowship explores how computational methods…
Postdoctoral Fellow in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
We seek a postdoctoral research associate to work with Professor Michael Desai at Harvard University on projects involving inferring sequence-function landscapes, using a combination of empirical data and ML methods (e.g. transformer models). One focus of this work will be on B-cell receptor evolution. Experience in applications of modern machine learning methods as well as in biological data a…
HMS – Postdoctoral Fellow in Zitnik Lab
Harvard Medical School
We invite applicants for a postdoctoral fellow position in theZitnik lab at Harvard Medical School in BostonMassachusetts. The work of the Zitnik lab is focused onArtificial Intelligence for Medicine and Science.The selected candidates will lead research in generative,multimodal, and agentic AI, as well as foundation models,with a focus on geometric deep learning, large-scaleknowledge graphs, a…
Postdoctoral Fellow in Electrical Engineering
Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
The Y-Lab is seeking a postdoctoral fellow for projects in the following areas:Optical-to-optical quantum frequency transductionUV–visible integrated photonicsHeterogeneous integration of silicon photonics with solid-state gain and/ or electro-optic / piezoelectric materials
Postdoctoral Fellow – History at HBS
Harvard Business School
The History at HBS Project at Harvard Business School identifies and supports outstanding scholars whose work responds to the growing interest in the study of Business from a historical perspective.One History at HBS Postdoctoral Fellow will be appointed for the academic year 2026-2027 and will be provided time, guidance, office space, and access to Harvard University facilities. Fellows should…