FAQs about All HCPDS Postdoctoral Fellowships

We use the following criteria to determine eligibility: 1.) Doctoral training must have been completed within three years of applying. 2.) Applicants must be from a social science field including, but not limited to: behavioral and social sciences, health professions, sociology/demography, public policy, public health, health communications, and urban planning. 3.) Doctoral requirements must be met by August 13, 2027 with proof (copy of diploma or registrar’s letter) sent to the Harvard Pop Center.

Harvard University is committed to selecting faculty and staff without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender expression, caste, political beliefs, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, military service, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or other protected status..

Yes, visas are required for all non U.S. citizens/permanent residents. Harvard and the HCPDS typically support F-1 OPT, TN, or J-1 research scholar visas (not H1-B) for HCPDS Postdoctoral Fellowships. However, all international applicants should be aware of current U.S. restrictions. Please refer to the Harvard International Office for detailed information.

Immediately after the application portal closes, multiple rounds of screening begins that involve Center leadership, a faculty review committee, and potential mentors. Finalists are invited to interview over Zoom and potential mentors and collaborators are discussed on the call. By the time offer letters are sent, the primary mentor has committed to working with the incoming fellow.

If an applicant already has a connection to a potential Harvard mentor, then they are certainly welcome to reach out to that faculty during the application process. If an applicant does not already have a connection, they should simply indicate in their research proposal who they would like as a mentor(s) or collaborator (no need to reach out at that point). If the applicant makes it to the interview round of the process, we will discuss and then contact potential faculty mentors on the applicant’s behalf.

No, we are unable to review applications or comment on a candidate’s research agenda. We encourage everyone to apply if they meet the criteria.

HCPDS Postdoctoral Fellowships provide protected time during which the focus must be on training and research. It is not possible to be a part-time HCPDS Postdoctoral Fellow. There may be a few exceptions; any potential teaching and clinical activities must be discussed and pre-approved by the Center Director prior to being accepted into the program.

HCPDS Postdoctoral Fellows may not receive compensation for teaching or outside work, such as consulting or speaking engagements, unless in rare circumstances and pre-approved by the Center Director. HCPDS Postdoctoral Fellows may maintain affiliations with previous institutions, however they must be unpaid. Exceptions to this would have to be discussed prior to being accepted into the program.

HCPDS Postdoctoral Fellows are considered “employee postdocs” and are offered subsidized health benefits through Harvard University. For a detailed description of benefits, please refer to this Benefits Summary for Postdocs. In addition, research/travel/computer funds are provided.

Unfortunately, no. Incoming fellows must commit to the two years.

HCPDS Postdoctoral Fellows are allowed to be PIs or collaborators on existing grants, as long as the workload associated with the grant does not negatively affect their ability to participate fully in all aspects of the HCPDS Postdoctoral Fellowship Programs. Applicants should indicate if they will enter the program with an existing grant so that it can be discussed. While the University has some restrictions around postdocs’ eligibility to be PIs, it is possible to apply for new grants while an HCPDS Postdoctoral Fellow. Proposals should run through the HCPDS and build upon work being done as a HCPDS Postdoctoral Fellow. All potential proposals would be vetted first by the HCPDS leadership.

Though administered under the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, the HCPDS is located in Harvard Square in Cambridge, thereby enhancing its visibility as a University-wide endeavor and allowing its affiliates easy access to the breadth of intellectual activities across the campus. A free shuttle bus continually runs between the Cambridge and Boston campuses. We have two adjacent buildings—a Victorian house and a one level, smaller building. Full-time residents include: members of the leadership team; an administrative staff; a “research core” of associates and assistants; HCPDS Postdoctoral Fellows; visiting scientists; and some of our faculty reside part-time at HCPDS. There is also a flex-work area for graduate student affiliates, student assistants and visitors. The environment is casual and congenial.

Boston and Cambridge combine a wonderful blend of stylish sophistication and historic New England charm, and offer four distinct seasons and variable temperature readings—from 90s (Fahrenheit) in summer to 20s in the winter. Getting around via public transportation, biking, and walking is quite easy. Driving in the city is equivalent to what one would expect in NYC. The area offers annual events that need no further introduction such as the Boston Marathon, 4th of July celebration, and First Night. Harvard offers The Head of the Charles Regatta in the fall, and an abundance of theater and musical productions. The other New England states are within a one- to three-hour drive. New York City is a four-hour drive away, and is easily accessible via flight, bus, or rail. Note that the cost of living is quite high in this area—equivalent to New York City and San Francisco. A studio or one bedroom apartment can run $2,000–$3,000 per month.