Harvard University Environmental Fellows Program 2027 (Salary of $92,000)

Are you a recent doctoral holder with a passion for environmental research? Are you looking for an opportunity to work with some of the world’s leading academics at one of the most prestigious universities? The Harvard University Environmental Fellows Program provides a unique opportunity to address critical environmental issues while collaborating with Harvard faculty members across diverse disciplines.

The Harvard University Center for the Environment (HUCE) established this fellowship to enable recent PhD recipients to utilize Harvard’s resources and address complex environmental challenges. Through interdisciplinary research, fellows form a community that fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration, enriching their research and Harvard’s academic Environment.

This prestigious two-year fellowship program provides fellows with access to leading faculty, cutting-edge research opportunities, and Harvard’s unparalleled academic resources. Focusing on addressing pressing environmental issues, the program supports research across disciplines, bridging the gap between science, policy, the humanities, and other fields.

Finding a Host

Applicants should begin early to connect with a Harvard faculty member who can serve as their research host and mentor. Hosts provide office space, administrative support, and a strong letter of endorsement, making this a significant commitment.

Since multiple applicants approach many faculty members, some conduct their own selection process before agreeing to recommend a candidate.

Applicants can explore potential hosts through the Salata Institute website and faculty members’ personal pages to view their research interests and publications. Any Harvard faculty member may serve as a host, though each can support only one Environmental Fellow at a time.

Prepare and submit these documents for your application

Curriculum Vitae

Statement of Research

Publication

Optional Documents

Publication 2

Publication 3

The requirements for this fellowship are as follows

Candidates must have received a terminal degree (PhD or equivalent) between May 2023 and August 2027.

Applicants without a PhD may apply if they have studied in fields where a PhD is not the typical terminal degree.

Candidates from any discipline are eligible, and research proposals should go beyond previous PhD work.

Harvard candidates and post-docs must propose projects that forge new connections distinct from their PhD research. They should not continue working with their thesis advisor or current lab group.

Candidates must secure a commitment from at least one Harvard faculty member to serve as their mentor and provide office/lab space.

The fellowship requires two years of residency in Cambridge, MA, with fieldwork trips scheduled for the summer or January recess.

Foreign nationals are eligible but must demonstrate English proficiency.

Harvard is an equal opportunity employer, welcoming all qualified applicants regardless of race, gender, or background.

The selection criteria for evaluating the applications are as follows

Key factors include academic and professional success, as well as potential scholarship or practice contributions.

Proposals should extend beyond the candidate’s PhD and the host’s current research, focusing on independent inquiry addressing environmental issues.

A diverse group of fellows will be selected to complement those from the previous year. Scholars may come from various disciplines, including the sciences, economics, law, public policy, health, design, and the humanities.

Harvard candidates must propose research that takes them in new directions, distinct from their previous work, and refrain from continuing to work with the same professors or lab groups.

The host faculty’s commitment to mentoring and providing a supportive work environment is critical.

Finalists will be invited for a video interview with the selection committee.

You will benefit from this fellowship as follows

Annual salary of $92,000

Eligibility for Harvard employee health insurance

Up to $2,500 reimbursement for relocation expenses

Annual allowance of $2,500 for travel and professional expenses

Access to Harvard’s academic resources and professional development opportunities

Participation in biweekly dinners with Harvard faculty and guest speakers to foster community and collaboration

Complete the online application form by December 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST

Upload all required documents as PDFs, including curriculum vitae, research proposals, and publications

Ensure your references submit their letters by December 10, 2026

Submit a letter of support from your host by the same deadline. Letters should be sent directly to the Harvard University Center for the Environment at [email protected].

Further details and information are available on the official Harvard University website.

Check More Opportunities

United World Colleges UWC Scholarship for Afghan Youths

2027 IUSSP Early Career Awards for Population Scholars Worldwide

DKFZ Postdoctoral Fellowships for Early-Career Scientists in Germany