Harvard University
Title: Postdoctoral Fellow, Human Flourishing Program, IQSS
School: Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Department_Area: Institute for Quantitative Social Science (IQSS)
Position Description: The Human Flourishing Program ( HFH ) at Harvard University's Institute for Quantitative Social Science is seeking applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position to support its Academic Flourishing Initiative (https://hfh.fas.harvard.edu/academicflourishing), a project focused on partnering with colleges and universities to collect data on "academic flourishing" and to leverage that data for academic research and the promotion of flourishing within higher education. Candidates must have research interests in well-being, and a PhD in the empirical social or biomedical sciences. Preference will be given to candidates with research interests related to promoting flourishing within and through higher education.
About this position:
- The position is fully funded for 1 year, with the possibility of an extension for a second and third year, contingent on funding, performance, and the Program's needs.
- Eligible for employee benefits, including subsidized health insurance
- Shared office space and borrowing privileges at Harvard libraries provided
- The Postdoctoral Fellow is expected to have substantial in-person work in the Program's offices
- The Postdoctoral Fellow will be expected to carry out an independent research program on topics related to human well-being. The Fellow will also contribute to the Program's interdisciplinary work under the supervision of the Program's Director Tyler VanderWeele and Associate Director for Research Brendan Case.
- The Postdoctoral Fellow will also assist in the administration and management of the Academic Flourishing Initiative, including liaising with member colleges and universities, recruiting new members, and representing the Program and the Initiative at academic conferences and professional meetings.
- The Human Flourishing Program at Harvard's Institute for Quantitative Social Science ( IQSS ) seeks to carry out research and teaching to bridge the empirical social sciences with the humanities on topics related to human flourishing. The Postdoctoral Fellow would join an interdisciplinary group of researchers across the fields of psychology, sociology, public health, epidemiology, statistics, philosophy, theology, and history. More information on the Human Flourishing Program can be found at the Program website: https://hfh.fas.harvard.edu/
To ensure full consideration, complete applications must be received by September 5, 2025.
IQSS sits in the Division of Social Science. At IQSS , respect and fairness, kindness and collegiality, and trust and transparency are among the values we espouse and promote in our workplace culture. We work hard to ensure a healthy, inclusive, and positive environment where everyone does their best work in support of Harvard's mission.
Basic Qualifications: PhD in the empirical social or biomedical sciences, or a related field.
PLEASE NOTE : If you have obtained your Ph.D. in the past 12 months you must be able to provide a certificate of completion from the degree-granting institution OR a letter from the institute's registrar stating all requirements for the degree have been successfully completed and should verify the date the degree has been or will be conferred. No exceptions. Additional Qualifications: - Interest in well-being research required
- Special consideration will be given to candidates with research interests in promoting flourishing within and through higher education, including but not limited to interests in the state of civil discourse, academic freedom, viewpoint diversity, and/or inclusion and belonging in higher education.
- Given the interdisciplinary nature of the program, preference will be given to candidates from the empirical sciences who have familiarity with and/or coursework in philosophy or theology.
Special Instructions: Applicants should provide the following:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover letter
- Research statement
- Names and contact information for three references who are experts at the faculty rank that can attest to your research qualifications.
Contact Information: Lisa Galvin
IQSS Academic Affairs Coordinator
Contact Email: lgalvin@iq.harvard.edu
Equal Opportunity Employer: 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.
Minimum Number of References Required: 3
Supplemental Questions: Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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