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Posted June 16, 2026

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Harvard University
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States 02163 Full Time
Reference: 285292381
Harvard University



Position
Details

Title Postdoctoral Research Fellow
School Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Department/Area Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Position Description
The Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health seeks a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to advance innovative research on social well-being and digital well-being. The Center is dedicated to building a rigorous and interdisciplinary science of positive health, happiness, and well-being, with a focus on health equity, and to translate the science to influence practice and policy. The Center aims to shift public health from a predominantly deficit-based model toward an asset-based approach that promotes complete physical, mental, and especially social well-being for all, regardless of racial, socioeconomic, political, or geographic circumstances.

Working closely with the Center Director, Dr. Vish Viswanath, the Postdoctoral Research Fellow will play a central role in advancing the Center’s research and programmatic priorities. The Fellow will lead and contribute to a portfolio of research projects, mentor research staff, and help translate scientific evidence into actionable strategies for public health practice and policy. Through close mentorship and collaboration, the Fellow will have the opportunity to develop as an independent scholar while conducting cutting-edge research in the science of well-being.

The Center is particularly interested in understanding social well-being and its dynamic interplay with physical and mental well-being. The Center’s working definition of social well-being is the well-being of people in a community, determined by how social conditions, relationships, and institutions enable people to feel inclusively connected, respected, supported, and secure so they can fully and equally participate in society thus experience a sense of meaning, purpose, and positive emotions. Candidates must have a primary interest and experience in digital well-being and/or social well-being (e.g., social connection, loneliness, and social isolation). Additional areas of interest include the measurement of well-being and the translation of scientific evidence to inform public health practice and policy.

The Center, Department, and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health provide an exceptional environment for professional growth, scholarly development, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a rigorous and impactful research agenda; engage with internationally recognized leaders across research, practice, and policy; and join a vibrant intellectual community dedicated to advancing happiness and well-being.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will report to the Center Director, Dr. Vish Viswanath. This is a one-year appointment, renewable for up to two additional years contingent upon performance—including the quality and impact of contributions and collaborations in support of the Center’s mission—and the availability of funding. The Fellow will receive an annual performance review.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Research-related (60%): Lead a portfolio of research activities including original research and projects congruent with the Center’s research agenda.

  • Design studies (especially community-engaged), oversee data collection, conduct large-scale secondary data analyses, and develop data visualizations.
  • Prepare and publish manuscripts, and disseminate scientific findings.
  • Contribute to grant writing and research development efforts.
  • Supervise research staff and provide mentorship to student interns at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
  • Engage with relevant partners and potential donors within the community and at the national and international levels.
  • Explore the role of new technologies (e.g., AI, social media) in well-being.


Programmatic support (40%): Assist in scientific leadership for the Center. This can include activities such as:

  • Support the conceptualization and implementation of seminars, workshops, and other high-profile events, ensuring scientific rigor.
  • Assist with curriculum/course development at Harvard Chan and/or in ExecEd, HarvardX, or short courses.
  • Contribute to the development of well-being measurement tools and curated repositories of evidence-based interventions.
  • Participate in the evaluation of grant proposals or student funding initiatives.

Schedule:Full-time, hybrid with a minimum of three on-campus days per week, remote work not permitted.

Term: One year from date of hire, with possible extension up to two additional years, contingent upon performance and contribution to the center’s mission.
Basic Qualifications
The candidate should possess the following:

  • Doctoral-level degree in public health, social sciences, or a related discipline (must have successfully defended dissertation).
  • Demonstrated interest in social well-being and/or digital well-being.
  • Strong research skills, including study design, data collection, analysis, and scientific writing.
  • Strong quantitative analytical skills.
  • Publication record with contributions to peer-reviewed publications beyond dissertation work.
  • Experience leading research projects and managing teams, including supervising and mentoring staff, coordinating with administrators regarding budget and staffing, and ensuring research activities meet ethical guidelines.
  • Expertise in measuring well-being and resilience.
  • Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and project management skills.
  • Ability to define and drive projects to completion while collaborating effectively in interdisciplinary teams.
  • Commitment to advancing research in well-being and public health.
Additional Qualifications
Special Instructions
Please address questions to Kelsey Torres [email protected] and apply via the ARIeS portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with an application deadline 3 weeks from date of posting.
Contact Information
Kelsey Torres
Assistant Director of Operations
Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness
Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Contact Email [email protected]
Salary Range
$65,000—73,000 based on qualifications and experience
Minimum Number of References Required 3
Maximum Number of References Allowed 3
Keywords
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.

Harvard has an policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s . Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * Please describe how your research experience, interests, and future goals align with the Center’s priorities in social, mental, and physical well-being. (300 word limit)

    (Open Ended Question)

  2. * Please describe the unique perspective, expertise, or experiences you would bring to the Center’s research on social and/or digital well-being. (300 word limit)

    (Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Curriculum Vitae
  2. Cover Letter
  3. List of References
  4. Academic Paper 1
  5. Academic Paper 2
Optional Documents




    Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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