FAQs about All HCPDS Postdoctoral Fellowships
Here are some commonly asked questions (and answers).
Outstanding individuals who have completed their doctoral training in one of a variety of fields including, but not limited to, behavioral and social sciences, health professions, demography, public policy, public health, history of science, and others (e.g., communications and urban planning) are eligible. All requirements for an incoming HCPDS Postdoctoral Fellows’ doctorate must be completed by August 15, 2025 in order to begin a Fellowship on September 1, 2025. Proof of this must be sent to HCPDS prior to the start of the program in the form of:
Copy of Diploma (Preferred); or
Letter from Registrar’s Office noting that all doctoral requirements have been completed.
We have no rules regarding how much time has passed since completing a doctorate degree; however, since this is a training program, candidates who have significant work/research experience would need to explain in their proposal how this program would benefit them.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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 and reviewing begin. This process involves Center leadership and various faculty members. In January, a top 12–15 applicants are invited to interview (over Zoom) with either our Center Director and other leaders, and/or faculty members. Applications are also sent to potential mentors for review at which time we solicit their availability to devote time to the postdoc over the course of the fellowship. By the time the offer letters are sent (usually around mid-Feb), the mentor(s) have been lined up. Strong mentorship is pivotal to the success of our postdoctoral fellowship programs. We advocate a dual mentorship model to ensure that each participating HCPDS Postdoctoral Fellow is privileged with one-on-one interaction with scientists familiar with the challenges and opportunities intrinsic to transdisciplinary research. Primary mentors are discussed during the interview process. Upon arrival, the Center Director meets with each scholar to map out a workplan and brainstorm an expanded mentor team. In all cases, faculty close to Fellows’ core discipline(s) will be a mentor in order to ensure that they receive appropriate career-related training in their fields. In some instances, applicants have very specific ideas about who they would like to select as primary and secondary mentors and should indicate as such in their research proposal. Since the HCPDS is administered under the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, HCPDS Postdoctoral Fellows will need to follow the Harvard Chan School’s requirements around completing a career development form and subsequent annual reviews.
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. Research/travel/computer funds are provided as well.
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.