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Posted July 12, 2026

Pre-Doctoral Research Fellow, Salata Institute Research Cluster on Strengthening Communities

Harvard University
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States 02163 Full Time
Reference: 285777865
Harvard University



Position
Details

Title Pre-Doctoral Research Fellow, Salata Institute Research Cluster on Strengthening Communities
School Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Department/Area Institute for Quantitative Social Science (IQSS)
Position Description
Position Announcement: Pre-Doctoral Research Fellow
The Salata Institute Research Cluster on Strengthening Communities, Harvard University

The Research Cluster on Strengthening Communities announces a ten-month research fellowship. The Cluster examines the social, political, and economic effects of changes in energy systems on local communities and workers, producing policy studies, research reports, and policy recommendations for communities and governments. The Research Cluster is part of the Roosevelt Project, a collaborative effort between Harvard University and MIT.

Research activities for the Pre-Doctoral Research Fellow include:

  • Organizing and conducting interviews of stakeholders.
  • Conducting background research.
  • Collecting, preparing, and analyzing survey data.
  • Conducting research using publicly available resources on the social, political, and economic context of various regions and industries.


Research products include policy white papers, studies, and articles.

The Cluster is a multidisciplinary effort consisting of faculty, research staff, and students from Sociology, Government, Design, and Law. Professor Stephen Ansolabehere, Frank G. Thompson Professor of Government, is the primary contact and supervisor for the project, but you will work as part of a research team. Professor Ansolabehere is also a faculty affiliate of the Institute for Quantitative Social Science (IQSS), part of Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences. This appointment will be administered by IQSS.

Qualified researchers must have at least a bachelor’s degree; the position is also open to applicants with a master’s degree. Applicants must have demonstrated social science research skills, such as qualitative research skills (such as training and experience conducting interviews) or quantitative research skills (some statistical training and proficiency in statistical software, such as R or Stata), and preferably both.

To be considered for the position, applicants should submit the following:

  • A curriculum vitae (CV) listing educational, research, and employment experience.
  • A 250-word statement describing the applicant’s interest in social, political, and economic aspects of climate, the environment, or energy systems.
  • The names and contact information for two external references related to the applicant’s research background and skills.

Duration is for ten months, with a target start date of September 1, 2026. Compensation is the equivalent annual salary of $70,000 per year. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position.

If visa sponsorship is needed, Harvard retains the discretion to determine which visa status is appropriate and whether a visa sponsorship application will ultimately be submitted, including payment of any applicable fees.

IQSS sits in the Division of Social Science. At IQSS, respect and fairness, kindness and collegiality, and trust and transparency are among the values we espouse and promote in our workplace culture. We work hard to ensure a healthy, inclusive, and positive environment where everyone does their best work in support of Harvard’s mission.
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree.
  • Must have demonstrated social science research skills, such as qualitative research skills (such as training and experience conducting interviews) or quantitative research skills (some statistical training and proficiency in statistical software, such as R or Stata), and preferably both.
  • Research experience may include positions at a firm, working as a research assistant for faculty, or writing a senior thesis.
Additional Qualifications
  • The position is also open to applicants with a master’s degree.
  • Due to the importance of in-person mentoring with their Faculty Sponsor and having the opportunity to interact with colleagues and researchers within their department, it is expected that the Pre-Doctoral Research Fellow will work on campus.
Special Instructions
Applicants should provide the following:

  • A CV listing educational, research, and employment experience and upload it under the “Curriculum Vitae” document category.
  • A 250-word statement describing the applicant’s interest in social, political, and economic aspects of climate, the environment, or energy systems and upload it under the “Statement of Research” document category.
  • The names and contact information for two external references related to the applicant’s research background and skills. If reference letters are available at the time of submission, please upload them to the “Additional Letter” and “Other” document categories.
Contact Information
Michael O’Brien
Contact Email [email protected]
Salary Range
The ten-month appointment has an equivalent annual salary of $70,000.
Minimum Number of References Required 2
Maximum Number of References Allowed
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 (*).

    Applicant Documents
    Required Documents
    1. Curriculum Vitae
    2. Statement of Research
    Optional Documents
    1. Additional Letter
    2. Other




    Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

    PI285777865

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