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Posted August 14, 2026

Preceptor

Harvard University
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States 02163 Full Time
Reference: 286476527

Harvard University



Position
Details

Title Preceptor
School Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Department/Area Economics
Position Description
The Department of Economics seeks applications for a preceptor in Principles of Economics (Ec10). The appointment is expected to begin on or around September 15, 2026. The preceptor will be responsible for supporting the delivery, instruction, and continuous improvement of one of Harvard’s largest and most visible undergraduate courses. Reporting to the Senior Preceptor and working closely with faculty course heads and departmental academic leadership, the Preceptor serves as a member of the instructional leadership team responsible for teaching, instructional development, assessment, and course administration. The Preceptor also collaborates and coordinates with the broader Economics Undergraduate Program, as needed.

Ec10 enrolls approximately 1,400 students annually and is supported by a large instructional team consisting of faculty and Teaching Fellows. The Preceptor contributes to the instructional mission of the course through direct teaching, development of instructional materials, support of assessment activities, Teaching Fellow support, and management of course operations necessary to deliver a consistent and high-quality learning experience at scale.

The position also assumes responsibility for course administration and operational coordination. A core objective of the role is to develop and implement technology-enabled systems, automation, and AI-supported workflows that reduce manual administrative effort over time. As operational processes become increasingly automated and scalable, the balance of responsibilities is expected to shift toward greater instructional contribution, curriculum development, and pedagogical innovation.

Core Responsibilities
Teaching & Course Development
  • Teach at least one section of Ec10 annually.
  • Collaborate with faculty course heads and the Senior Preceptor on course planning, instructional materials, assessments, and curriculum refinement.
  • Support the adoption of innovative teaching practices and instructional technologies.

Instructional Operations & Course Administration
  • Execute the administrative and logistical functions necessary to support the successful delivery of a large-scale undergraduate course.
  • Manage key course operations including section allocation, classroom scheduling and room reservations, examination administration, course communications, and instructional logistics.
  • Coordinate the preparation, organization, and distribution of course materials and instructional resources.
  • Process Teaching Fellow and course assistant appointments and support related instructional staffing activities.
  • Coordinate course-related events, review sessions, guest lectures, and instructional programming, including room reservations, event set-up, catering, materials preparation, and related logistics.
  • Work closely with faculty, Teaching Fellows, and departmental staff to support a consistent and effective student experience across all sections of the course.

Teaching Fellow & Instructional Support
  • Assist in the training, onboarding, and support of Teaching Fellows.
  • Develop instructional resources, documentation, and processes that promote consistency in teaching and assessment.
  • Serve as a resource regarding course policies, procedures, and instructional expectations.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement
  • Analyze course data, student outcomes, and operational processes to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Lead the development and implementation of technology-enabled and AI-supported solutions that improve efficiency, scalability, and course delivery.
  • Identify opportunities to automate repetitive administrative activities and streamline course operations.
  • As administrative processes become increasingly automated, expand instructional contributions through course development, curriculum enhancement, and other academic initiatives.

Undergraduate Program Involvement
  • Be knowledgeable of the broader resources of the Economics Undergraduate Program.
  • Collaborates as needed with the Economics Undergraduate Program, including the Director of Studies, Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, the Undergraduate Program Coordinator, and the Concentration Advising Team.

The position is for one year. Reappointment may be possible on a yearly basis for up to eight years (within the eligibility guidelines of the FAS), contingent on performance, enrollments, curricular need, position availability, and divisional dean authorization.

This is a 10-month academic-year appointment aligned with the undergraduate teaching calendar. The role requires regular on-campus presence and may involve evening or weekend work associated with examinations, instructional activities, course events, and other academic responsibilities.
Basic Qualifications
Advanced degree in Economics or Public Policy required. The successful applicant should have experience in teaching principles of economics.
Additional Qualifications
  • Demonstrated teaching experience at the undergraduate level.
  • Experience managing complex academic programs, large courses, or instructional operations.
  • Interest or experience with instructional technology, AI-enabled tools, automation, or process improvement.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, instructional staff, and students in a fast-paced academic environment.
Special Instructions
Please submit the following materials through the ARIeS portal (https://academicpositions.harvard.edu). Candidates are encouraged to apply by September 11, 2026; applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

1. Cover letter, including a description of the candidate’s teaching/advising philosophy and practices as well as their approach to creating a learning environment in which every student is encouraged to ask questions and share their ideas.
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Names and contact information of three to five referees, who will be asked by a system-generated email to upload a letter of recommendation once the candidate’s application has been submitted. Three letters of recommendation are required, and the application is considered complete only when at least three letters have been received.

This position may be represented by the Harvard Academic Workers (HAW) – UAW for purposes of collective bargaining and matters affecting your compensation and working conditions.
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 equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. 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.
Contact Information
Department of Economics
Contact Email [email protected]
Salary Range
$70,300 – $100,000
Minimum Number of References Required 3
Maximum Number of References Allowed 5
Keywords
faculty, instructor, lecturer
Boston, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA, Northeast, New England
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. Cover Letter
    2. Curriculum Vitae
    3. List of References
    Optional Documents




      Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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