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2026-27 REISCHAUER INSTITUTE POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS IN JAPANESE STUDIESHarvard University

  • not-remote
  • full-time
  • Salary
  • Cambridge, MA
Job Summary
Harvard University



Position
Details

Title2026-27 REISCHAUER INSTITUTE POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS IN JAPANESE STUDIES
SchoolFaculty of Arts and Sciences
Department/AreaEdwin O. Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies
Position Description
2026-27 REISCHAUER INSTITUTE POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS IN JAPANESE STUDIES

Applicant Deadline: Friday, December 19, 2025, 5:00PM EST
Recommender Deadline: Friday, January 9, 2026, 5:00PM EST

The Edwin O. Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies (RIJS) at Harvard University will offer several Postdoctoral Fellowships in Japanese Studies to recent Ph.D. graduates of exceptional promise, to provide the opportunity for postdoctoral fellows to turn their dissertations into publishable manuscripts and to continue their research in Japanese studies.

APPOINTMENT TERM:
Year-long appointments, commencing August or September 2026.

FELLOWSHIP GRANT:
  • Stipend of $70,000 and research funds up to $5,000. This appointment is eligible for subsidized medical, dental, vision, and other benefits through Harvard University.
  • Postdoctoral fellows will be provided office space, as well as access to the libraries and resources of Harvard University.


RESPONSIBILITIES:
Postdoctoral fellows are expected to reside in the general, greater Boston/Cambridge area in order to fully participate in RIJS activities and events during the appointment term. Postdoctoral fellows will also be expected to give a presentation at the RIJS Japan Forum lecture series.
Basic Qualifications
Applicants must have received their Ph.D. in 2021 or later, in Japanese studies, in any area of the humanities or social sciences. Those who are selected to receive fellowships must have a Registrar-certified Ph.D. degree by June 30, 2026. Please note that the fellowship is contingent upon degree documentation and is subject to rescission if the deadline is not met.
Additional Qualifications
RIJS especially encourages applications from those who have not previously held postdoctoral appointments at Harvard.
Special Instructions
Please note required materials:
  1. Statement of Research (2 pages): What research do you plan to pursue during the fellowship term? What do you plan to do at each stage, and what particular resources do you intend to use? What are the advantages of spending a postdoctoral fellowship year at Harvard; are there specific individuals or resources you hope to seek out while in residence?
  2. Curriculum Vitae: Please include your current and permanent addresses, telephone number(s), email address; academic degrees with dates of conferral, discipline and institution; current employer; and a list of publications.
  3. Transcript: Please submit an official electronic transcript or OPEN your official paper transcript to scan as part of your complete application. **If your Ph.D. comes from a non-US university that does not issue an official transcript of grades, please submit alternative documentation of your enrollment and progress in the degree program, as well as a written statement that you are unable to provide an official transcript of grades.
  4. Dissertation Abstract (1 page)
  5. Dissertation Table of Contents
  6. Dissertation Chapter: We will also accept a published article submitted in lieu of the dissertation chapter as a writing sample.
Contact Information
Edwin O. Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies
Phone: (617) 495-3220
Contact Emailrijspostdoc@fas.harvard.edu
Salary Range
The stipend for this fellowship is $70,000 for a 12-month appointment.
Minimum Number of References Required2
Maximum Number of References Allowed2
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 (*).

  1. * Please state your thesis title.

    (Open Ended Question)

  2. * Please provide a short summary of your research plan at Harvard. (200 words)

    (Open Ended Question)

  3. * Have you previously received any postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard or elsewhere? If yes, which and when?

    (Open Ended Question)

  4. * Have you previously applied for any postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard? If yes, which and when?

    (Open Ended Question)

  5. * Are you currently applying for other postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard or elsewhere? If yes, which?

    (Open Ended Question)

  6. * Please indicate your current employment status and institution. (e.g. graduate student/PhD candidate; postdoctoral fellow; non-tenure track position; tenure-track position; currently job searching)

    (Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Statement of Research
  2. Curriculum Vitae
  3. Transcript
  4. Dissertation Abstract
  5. Dissertation Table of Contents
  6. Dissertation Chapter
Optional Documents




    Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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