2027-28 Mahindra Humanities Center Postdoctoral Fellow

Position

Details

Title 2027-28 Mahindra Humanities Center Postdoctoral Fellow School Faculty of Arts and Sciences Department/Area Mahindra Humanities Center Position Description

The Mahindra Humanities Center invites applications for four one-year postdoctoral fellowships on the topic of the environmental humanities, drawn from any humanistic discipline. We interpret the environmental humanities in the broadest terms, to include all parts of the world and historical eras. Topics may include (but are not limited to) humanistic approaches to climate change, biodiversity, social justice, environmental justice, food justice, regenerative practices, gardening, landscape, urban foraging, health, and animal studies.

We welcome applications from scholars in all fields whose work innovatively engages with the environment and the humanities. In addition to pursuing their own research projects, fellows will be core participants in the bi-weekly seminar meetings for both academic semesters of the fellowship. Other participants will include faculty and graduate students from Harvard and other universities in the region, and occasional visiting speakers. Fellows will also be encouraged to engage with the Center's Environment Forum programming.

Fellows will receive stipends of $70,000, medical insurance, additional research support of $2,500, and (for those not already in residence in Greater Boston) $1,500 in moving expenses. Fellows are expected to be in residence at Harvard for the term of the fellowship.

Basic Qualifications

Applicants for 2027-28 fellowships must have received a doctorate on or after May 2024. Applicants without a doctorate must demonstrate that they have completed all requirements for the degree, including dissertation defense, by August 1, 2027. Scholars from outside the United States are appointed under either the J-1 visa (Research Scholar status) or F-1 OPT (Optional Practical Training), depending on their circumstances. If awarded a fellowship, the term of appointment for international scholars is September 1, 2027-August 31, 2028. The Mahindra Center reserves the right to cancel awards if the recipient is unable to meet these conditions of completion and visa status.

The application deadline for applicants to submit their materials is November 20, 2026. The deadline for receipt of letters of recommendation is December 4, 2026.

Additional Qualifications Special Instructions

In addition to biographical and professional information, applicants are asked to submit:

• A curriculum vitae.
• A statement of the research project (1,000-3,000 words) that provides a detailed description of what the applicant proposes to do during the fellowship year.
• One chapter- or article-length writing sample (no longer than 40 pages).
• Names and contact information of three 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 three letters have been received. Recommendations may be those included in the applicant's placement dossier, but they must specifically address the proposed research project. Letters should be uploaded to the electronic application.

Please contact Lisa Brown (lisabrown@fas.harvard.edu) with any questions about applying for a fellowship.

Contact Information

Lisa Brown

Mahindra Humanities Center at Harvard

12 Quincy Street

Cambridge, MA 02138

Contact Email lisabrown@fas.harvard.edu Salary Range

$70,000-$70,000

Minimum Number of References Required 3 Maximum Number of References Allowed 3 Keywords

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 equal employment opportunity 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 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.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Dissertation title or topic

(Open Ended Question)

• • In 1-2 sentences, please provide a description of the project you propose to undertake as a postdoctoral fellow at the Mahindra Center.

(Open Ended Question)

• • Please indicate your current institutional affiliation and position. In addition, please list any fellowships and research support that you have been granted during the past 5 years, including the source of support, amount, grant period, and purpose of the grant.

(Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Research
• Writing Sample 1

Optional Documents