Postdoctoral Fellow in Psychology

Harvard University

Position Description

Dr. Ashwini Ashokkumar’s lab at the Department of Psychology at Harvard University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position to start in Summer 2026. The lab conducts research on social and political psychology, with a specific focus on identity, language, group dynamics, using an array of methods including natural language processing and experiments.

This is a two-year position (one-year contract, renewable based on performance). The primary criterion for acceptance is research excellence and fit with the lab’s focus.

We especially encourage candidates with proven experience in applying computational and experimental methods to social scientific questions – including aptitude in working with large-scale datasets and/or text-analysis methods. Curiosity, passion for the lab’s topics, and a collaborative spirit are highly valued.

More information on the lab’s research is available here.

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Responsibilities

• Conduct research in social and political psychology, broadly construed, in collaboration with Dr. Ashokkumar and other lab members
• Publish and present research findings in high-quality scientific journals and conferences
• Contribute to the preparation of research/grant proposals
• Participate in the lab community and contribute to mentorship of junior colleagues

Please note: This position is contingent upon funding and satisfactory performance.

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Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in social psychology or a relevant field

Additional Qualifications

• Demonstrated record of research
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

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Special Instructions

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• Cover letter describing research interests, prior research, research questions to pursue, and areas of overlap with the lab
• Curriculum Vitae
• One research paper
• Two letters of recommendation

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Applications received by February 25 will receive full consideration.

For more information, please visit the lab website or contact the PI directly: ashwiniashokkumar@g.harvard.edu

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Contact Information

Principal Investigator: Ashwini Ashokkumar
33 Kirkland Street, William James Hall, Cambridge, MA 02138
Email: ashwiniashokkumar@g.harvard.edu

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Salary Range

$67,600 – $80,000. Pay offered to the selected candidate is dependent on factors such as years of experience, training or qualification, field of scholarship, and accomplishments in the field.

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References

Minimum: 2

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Equal Employment Opportunity 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. Harvard prohibits 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.

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Applicant Documents

Required Documents:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Paper 1

Optional Documents:

• Additional materials as relevant