Harvard University’s Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Ethics invites applications for its 2027–28 Fellowships in Residence, offering postdoctoral fellows US$7,000 monthly and up to US$3,000 for approved research expenses. Apply by 15 November 2026.
Background & Fellowship Description
Harvard University’s Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Ethics is accepting applications for its 2027–28 Fellowships in Residence, an academic-year opportunity for researchers and practitioners interested in addressing important ethical questions.
The programme welcomes applications from postdoctoral scholars, university faculty, practitioners, and researchers working in industry, government and non-governmental organisations. Applicants from any academic discipline or professional field may propose research on serious ethical questions affecting contemporary society.
The Center is also continuing its interdisciplinary work on the ethical and political dimensions of disagreement, including how disagreement can be productive or unproductive. Researchers in philosophy, the humanities, social psychology and related fields are encouraged to indicate whether their proposed projects connect with this research area.
For the 2027–28 academic year, postdoctoral fellows will receive US$7,000 per month, alongside a research allowance of up to US$3,000 for approved expenses. Applications close on 15 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Fellowship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Institution | Harvard University |
| Host centre | Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Ethics |
| Fellowship | 2027–28 Fellowships in Residence |
| Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA |
| Fellowship period | Academic year, typically September to May |
| Postdoctoral stipend | US$7,000 per month, September through June |
| Postdoctoral research allowance | Up to US$3,000 per academic year |
| Other fellowship funding | Varies by applicant category |
| Eligible fields | Any discipline or professional field relevant to the proposed research |
| Eligibility | PhD, professional degree or at least five years of equivalent professional experience by 1 September 2027 |
| Application deadline | 15 November 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET |
| Expected decision announcement | March 2027 |
| Official application | Apply through Harvard’s academic positions portal |
Important: The US$7,000 monthly stipend applies specifically to postdoctoral fellows. Faculty members and practitioners have different funding arrangements.
Fellowship Activities and Benefits
Fellows are expected to devote most of their time to their individual research projects while participating in the Center’s intellectual community.
Activities include regular work-in-progress seminars, public lectures, themed seminars, reading groups, conferences, workshops and discussions with other fellows and researchers. Fellows may also be invited to teach a class at Harvard during their appointment.
The fellowship is intended to create opportunities for intellectual exchange and collaboration across disciplines. Selected candidates will join a cohort of researchers and practitioners whose work addresses important ethical questions.
Stipend and Research Funding
Postdoctoral fellows will receive US$7,000 monthly for the 2027–28 academic year, running from the beginning of September through the end of June. They can also receive up to US$3,000 per academic year for approved research-related expenses, such as travel, books and research assistance.
Other funding arrangements include:
- Faculty: A stipend equal to half the faculty member’s base academic-year salary, capped at US$80,000, plus up to US$3,000 for approved research expenses.
- Practitioners: A stipend determined individually according to experience, up to US$80,000, plus up to US$3,000 for approved research expenses.
These amounts and conditions are specific to the relevant fellowship category.
Qualifications and Eligibility
To qualify for the general Fellows-in-Residence programme, applicants must have obtained a PhD, professional degree, or at least five years of equivalent professional experience by 1 September 2027.
Applicants from any discipline or professional field may apply, regardless of citizenship. However, advanced written and spoken English skills are required because fellows are expected to discuss and present their research in English. Application materials, including writing samples, must also be in English.
Individuals who have previously held a yearlong residential fellowship at the Center are generally ineligible. This restriction does not apply to former undergraduate or graduate fellows of the Center.
Residency Requirements
The fellowship is residential. Fellows are expected to live in the Boston area for at least four working days per week during the term and work from the Center’s office space at least three days per week, except when travelling for conferences and meetings.
Additional Information
Applications for the 2027–28 Fellowships in Residence must be submitted by 15 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Decisions are expected to be announced in March 2027.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should prepare the following materials:
- A cover letter explaining their background and interest in the fellowship.
- A curriculum vitae (CV).
- A research proposal describing the project they intend to pursue.
- A recent writing sample.
- Names and contact details for three professional references.
The application form requests reference details, but reference letters are not required at the initial submission stage. References may be contacted later and asked to provide an assessment.
The official application listing describes the research proposal as approximately 1,500–2,500 words. Applicants should check the online application instructions before submitting their documents.
How to apply: Visit the official Harvard Fellows-in-Residence application page, prepare the required documents and submit the online application before the deadline.
Applicants should review the residential requirements carefully and ensure that their proposed research fits the Center’s broad focus on significant ethical questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the Harvard Safra Fellowships 2027–28?
They are residential fellowships offered by Harvard University’s Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Ethics for researchers and practitioners who wish to pursue projects addressing important ethical questions.
2. How much do postdoctoral fellows receive?
Postdoctoral fellows receive US$7,000 per month for the 2027–28 academic year, from the beginning of September through the end of June.
3. Is additional research funding available?
Yes. Postdoctoral fellows may receive up to US$3,000 per academic year for approved research expenses, including travel, books and research assistance.
4. Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must have a PhD, professional degree or at least five years of equivalent professional experience by 1 September 2027. The programme is open to applicants from any discipline or professional field, regardless of citizenship.
5. Can researchers from outside the United States apply?
Yes. The general fellowship is open regardless of citizenship. Applicants must, however, meet the academic or professional requirements, demonstrate advanced English proficiency and satisfy the residential requirements.
6. Where is the fellowship based?
The fellowship is based in the Cambridge, Massachusetts area. Fellows are expected to live in the Boston area and work from the Center’s office at least three days per week.
7. What documents are required?
Applicants need a cover letter, CV, research proposal, recent writing sample and contact information for three professional references.
8. When is the application deadline?
The deadline is 15 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
9. When will applicants receive decisions?
The Center expects to announce decisions in March 2027.
10. How can I apply?
Submit your application through the official Harvard academic positions portal.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The Harvard Safra Fellowships in Residence may interest postdoctoral researchers and experienced professionals seeking time and an academic community to advance research on ethics. The postdoctoral stipend of US$7,000 per month, additional research allowance and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration are important features of the programme.
Applicants should distinguish the postdoctoral funding package from the separate arrangements for faculty members and practitioners, and should ensure they can meet the residential requirements in the Boston area.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares fellowship, education and research opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with Harvard University or the Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Ethics. Applicants should confirm the latest eligibility criteria, funding conditions and application instructions through Harvard’s official website.
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