Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2027: Two-Year Research Fellowship with a US$92,000 Annual Salary

Applications are open for the 2027 Environmental Fellows Program at the Harvard University Center for the Environment (HUCE).

The programme supports recent doctorate recipients and eligible holders of comparable terminal degrees undertaking research on environmental challenges. Fellows work with Harvard faculty for two years, drawing on expertise across the University’s schools and departments. 

Application deadlines

These are separate deadlines: the additional time for letters does not extend the applicant’s submission deadline. Official programme requirements

Fellowship funding and benefits

The fellowship provides:

• US$92,000 per year in salary.
• Eligibility for employee health insurance.
• Up to US$2,500 in relocation reimbursements.
• US$2,500 annually for travel and other professional expenses.

Fellows also participate in biweekly dinners with other fellows, Harvard faculty and guests.

HUCE expects to award approximately five fellowships for the 2027 cohort. Award details

Eligibility criteria

You should:

• Hold, or expect to complete, a doctorate or equivalent terminal degree awarded between May 2023 and August 2027.
• Demonstrate experience conducting scholarly research.
• Have sufficient English proficiency.
• Secure a Harvard faculty host.
• Commit to the full two-year appointment.

Applicants from any country and academic discipline may apply. Equivalent terminal qualifications are accepted in fields where a PhD is not the customary final degree. Official eligibility requirements

If your formal graduation has not occurred before you begin, Harvard requires a letter from your graduate school or department chair confirming that you have completed all doctoral requirements. Eligibility FAQ

Applicants already at Harvard

Harvard graduates and current Harvard postdoctoral researchers are eligible, but their proposed work must establish new research directions and connections. They should not continue with their existing professors or research groups. No applicant should propose extensive work with their thesis adviser. Requirements for Harvard applicants

Research expectations

Your project should address an environmental issue through an independent line of inquiry extending beyond your doctoral research and your host’s existing work.

Interdisciplinary projects are encouraged, but applications focused on one discipline are also welcome. Selection considers your achievements, research potential, proposal and the strength of your host’s commitment. Research and selection criteria

Finding a Harvard faculty host

A host commitment is essential: applications without a host-support letter will not be reviewed.

The FAQ specifies that hosts must be Harvard tenure-track professors. They do not need to be affiliated with HUCE or the Salata Institute. Co-hosting is possible when justified and both faculty members agree.

HUCE does not match applicants with hosts. Official host guidance

You can begin your search through the Salata Institute faculty directory. Check the programme’s current host restrictions, as some professors cannot host a fellow in 2027.

Earlier deadline for History of Science applicants

If you seek sponsorship through Harvard’s Department of the History of Science, its sponsor-request deadline is 1 November.

You must contact your potential sponsor and submit the departmental application, including an explanation of why History of Science is an appropriate host, before that deadline. This requirement applies specifically to that department. Departmental sponsorship instructions

Required application materials

Prepare:

• CV, including your publications.
• Research proposal of no more than five pages, with references counted separately. Explain why Harvard’s residential environmental fellowship suits your project.
• One to three publications or writing samples. The portal marks the first upload as required.
• Proposed research title and an abstract of no more than 175 words.
• Citizenship information and your proposed host’s name.

Upload supporting documents as PDFs. Although you may discuss the proposal with your host, the final text must be your own work. Official application instructions

References and host-support letter

Arrange three reference letters, including one from your dissertation adviser. The application system sends requests only after you submit, so notify your referees beforehand.

Your host must separately email their support letter to environmental_fellows@harvard.edu, preferably as a PDF. Letter submission instructions

The host letter must not exceed two pages and should explain their commitment to your research, mentoring and working environment. Host-letter requirements

How to apply

1. Secure an eligible faculty host.
2. Prepare your documents and contact your referees.
3. Open the Harvard application portal and select “Apply for this Job.”
4. Complete and submit the application.
5. Ensure all reference and host letters arrive by their separate deadline.

Harvard sends an automated submission email and subsequently confirms receipt of a complete application. Application process

Location and start date

You must live in the Cambridge area during the fellowship. Fieldwork should be scheduled during the summer or January recess. Residency requirements

Harvard aims to have the cohort in Cambridge by early September. Its FAQ allows starts as early as 1 July, with limited flexibility for later arrivals. Start-date guidance

Selection and results

Selected applicants will discuss their proposals with the committee by video. Selection process

Decisions are expected by late January 2027. Official results timeline

Official information and application

• Programme details: Environmental Fellows Program
• Apply online: Harvard Environmental Fellow application
• Eligibility and deadlines: Programme requirements
• Further guidance: Frequently asked questions
• Enquiries: Jim Clem, HUCE Managing Director — environmental_fellows@harvard.edu