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Harvard University

Predoctoral Fellowship--Opportunity Insights

Closes:

Salary: $60,000 per year

513
School: Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Department/Area: Opportunity Insights

Position Description

Opportunity Insights (OI) at Harvard University is hiring several full-time predoctoral fellows to start in Summer 2027 to work with our research group and under the direction of Raj Chetty, John Friedman, and Nathan Hendren. OI is a nonpartisan research and policy institute focused on improving economic opportunity. Founded in 2018, OI has become a nationally and internationally recognized leader in the science of economic mobility and in the use of large administrative data to understand and address inequality. OI has published seminal work on national trends in upward mobility; racial disparities; the role of neighborhoods, social capital, credit, and higher education in upward mobility; and the use of private-sector data to understand disparate impacts in the recent economic recession and recovery. Much of the team's ongoing research uses quasi-experimental methods to identify causal effects and test the predictions of economic and sociological models. Examples of current research projects include: long-term impacts of neighborhoods and place-based policies, the role of colleges and workforce training in upward mobility, and measuring how social networks affect mobility. OI's work has shaped policy discussions at the national and local level, with nearly a dozen of its studies covered on the front pages of major media outlets, such as the New York Times, The Economist, The Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal, and have been widely cited in policy discussions.

Fellows will be based at Harvard or Brown Universities under the direction of Professors Chetty, Friedman, and Hendren. The fellowship will include a variety of tasks that provide preparation for graduate school or other industry research positions, such as analyzing data, developing statistical models, creating presentations, and editing research papers. In addition to working with OI faculty, predoctoral fellows frequently co-author papers with other students or faculty members. Fellows will interact regularly with professors and their collaborators - such as Stefanie DeLuca, Benny Goldman, Matthew Jackson, Larry Katz, Theresa Kuchler, Michael Stepner, and Johannes Stroebel - in a team-oriented lab environment, with regular lab meetings, seminars, and other events. Fellows also have the opportunity to support our research translation and policy work through such resources as the Opportunity Atlas, the Social Capital Atlas, and the Economic Tracker.

Fellows are invited to participate in broader activities at Harvard and Brown, including seminars and courses. The program serves as an ideal bridge between college and graduate school for students interested in empirical economics. Most previous fellows have gone on to top Ph. D. programs. Salary and benefits are competitive with other top predoctoral fellowships.

As an organization focused on economic mobility, we welcome applications from persons with varied backgrounds and perspectives. Even if applicants are uncertain whether their technical research skill or subject-matter knowledge will be competitive, we strongly encourage applications.

Basic Qualifications

Applicants should have completed a bachelor's degree (or be on track to complete by July 2027) or master's degree, have strong quantitative skills, and experience with empirical research methods. Candidates with research experience are strongly preferred, especially those with programming experience in Stata, SAS, R, and/or Python. Candidates need not be Economics majors, though they should have a strong interest in and some experience with Economics. Successful candidates have come from a variety of backgrounds (including from undergraduate and graduate programs, industry jobs, and other research assistant positions), and have a range of skill levels and experience with coding.

Fellowships will begin around July 1, 2027. Fellows typically work at OI full-time for two years before starting graduate school in Economics or another social science or pursuing other related career paths.

Note: Persons may only apply once during the 2026-2027 academic year. If you apply during the Fall 2026 hiring session and are not selected, you will not be eligible to reapply until the 2027-2028 Academic Year (i.e., Spring 2027 or Fall 2028 hiring rounds).

Additional Qualifications

Applications are due on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET. Our selection process includes a first-round interview and a final-round interview and may include other skills assessments. We expect to share decisions from the Fall 2026 hiring round before the end of November 2026.

Questions about the application process can be sent to hiring@opportunityinsights.org. Answers to FAQs can be found here.

Special Instructions

To apply, please:
  1. Submit a Harvard application through this posting.
  2. Fill out the OI online application form.
Please note that we require both Harvard and OI's online forms to be filled out in order to be considered. Be sure to use the same email address on both platforms.

Supporting Documents:

To submit the application, you will need the following documents through the OI online application form ONLY:

(1) A Resume

(2) Unofficial Transcript(s)

(3) A Writing Sample

The writing sample can be any length and should demonstrate your analytical and writing abilities (preferably, but not necessarily, in economics). It should preferably be individual work (if not, it should come with a description of your specific contribution).

When uploading files, please make sure the name you provide matches the name you've specified in this form. Please start all file names with NameLast_ (e.g. RajChetty_CV, etc.).

References:

Please submit information (name, role, institution, and email) for three references as required in the OI online application form ONLY. You are not required to enter reference information in the Harvard system (Note: in the Harvard system you can click Save & Continue without entering any references, and you will be able to continue with (and submit) your application).

Learn More About OI's Predoctoral Fellowship
On Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 3:00 pm ET, we will host a virtual information session (via Zoom) to provide more information on OI's Predoctoral Fellowship program and answer potential candidates' questions. After the webinar, participants can join breakout rooms at 4:00 pm ET for informal Q&A with current predoctoral fellows. To register for this session, please visit OI's Join Our Teams page.

Contact Information

Questions regarding details of the position can be directed to: hiring@opportunityinsights.org.

Contact Email: hiring@opportunityinsights.org

Salary Range

$60,000 base salary + $8,000 bonus

Job details

Title
Predoctoral Fellowship--Opportunity Insights
Employer
Harvard University
Location
Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Published
Sep 3, 2026
Closes:
Oct 1, 2026
Job type
Full time, Student / Phd Jobs
Field
Postgrad Student Opportunity
Salary

Salary: $60,000 per year

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About the employer

Harvard University Jobs

Harvard University

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Harvard University offers a diverse range of job and work opportunities across various categories, reflecting its status as a leading academic and research institution. These opportunities cater to different skill sets, academic backgrounds, and career stages. Harvard University Academic Positions - click here . Harvard University Staff Jobs - click here . The main types of jobs and work opportunities at Harvard: 1. Faculty and Academic Positions Tenure-Track Faculty : These roles include assistant, associate, and full professors across Harvard’s schools (e.g., Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Business School). Faculty engage in teaching, research, and service. Qualifications typically include a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree, a strong research portfolio, and teaching experience. Openings vary by department and school, with competitive hiring processes. Non-Tenure-Track Faculty : Includes lecturers, preceptors, and visiting professors. These roles focus primarily on teaching or short-term research projects and may require a Ph.D. or significant expertise in the field. Research Appointments : Postdoctoral fellowships, research associates, and scientists work on cutting-edge research in fields like medicine, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. These positions often require advanced degrees and are funded through grants or specific research programs. 2. Administrative and Professional Staff Administrative Roles : These include positions in academic administration (e.g., deans’ offices, registrar, admissions), student services, and program management. Examples include academic program coordinators, admissions officers, and financial aid advisors. These roles often require a bachelor’s or master’s degree and relevant experience. Professional Staff : Harvard employs professionals in areas like human resources, finance, communications, development (fundraising), and alumni relations. Examples include HR specialists, financial analysts, and marketing managers. These positions typically require specialized skills or certifications. Executive and Leadership Roles : Senior positions like directors, department heads, or executive administrators oversee operations in specific units or schools. These roles demand extensive experience and leadership skills. 3. Research and Laboratory Staff Research Support Staff : Includes lab managers, research technicians, and data analysts who support faculty and postdoctoral researchers in labs across disciplines like biology, chemistry, physics, and medicine. These roles often require technical skills, such as proficiency in lab equipment or data analysis software. Clinical Research Roles : At Harvard Medical School and affiliated hospitals, clinical research coordinators and specialists support medical and health-related studies. These positions may require certifications like Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training. 4. Technical and IT Staff Information Technology : Harvard employs IT professionals for roles like systems administrators, software developers, cybersecurity analysts, and data scientists to support its technological infrastructure. These positions require expertise in areas like cloud computing, AI, or network management. Library and Information Services : Harvard’s extensive library system hires librarians, archivists, and digital resource specialists. These roles often require a master’s degree in library science or related fields. 5. Support and Operations Staff Facilities and Operations : Includes roles in maintenance, custodial services, groundskeeping, and security. These positions ensure the smooth operation of Harvard’s campus and may not require advanced degrees but often need specific training or certifications. Dining and Hospitality : Harvard’s dining services employ chefs, food service workers, and catering staff to support campus dining halls and events. Administrative Support : Roles like executive assistants, office managers, and receptionists provide critical support to departments and faculty. 6. Student and Temporary Opportunities Student Employment : Harvard offers on-campus jobs for students, including work-study positions in libraries, dining halls, labs, and administrative offices. These roles are typically part-time and designed to accommodate academic schedules. Temporary and Seasonal Work : Temporary roles, such as event staff or short-term project assistants, are available for non-students as well. These are often listed through Harvard’s temporary staffing services. 7. Medical and Healthcare Roles Clinical and Healthcare Staff : Through Harvard Medical School and affiliated hospitals (e.g., Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital), opportunities exist for physicians, nurses, medical technicians, and other healthcare professionals. These roles require medical licenses or certifications. Public Health Professionals : The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health employs researchers, policy analysts, and program managers focused on global health initiatives. 8. Creative and Media Roles Arts and Culture : Harvard’s museums (e.g., Harvard Art Museums) and cultural institutions hire curators, educators, and exhibition staff. The American Repertory Theater employs artists, stage managers, and production staff. Communications and Media : Roles in writing, graphic design, social media, and public relations support Harvard’s outreach and branding efforts. Key Characteristics of Harvard Jobs Diversity of Roles : Harvard’s workforce spans academic, administrative, technical, and operational functions, with opportunities for both entry-level and highly specialized professionals. Competitive Benefits : Harvard offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, tuition assistance, and professional development. Faculty and staff also gain access to Harvard’s libraries, museums, and cultural events. Global Impact : Many roles, especially in research and public health, contribute to global advancements in knowledge and policy. Location : Most positions are based in Cambridge or Boston, Massachusetts, with some remote or hybrid options, particularly for administrative and IT roles. How to Find Opportunities Harvard Careers Portal : The primary resource for job listings is Harvard’s Human Resources website (hr.harvard.edu/jobs), which lists openings for faculty, staff, and temporary roles. School-Specific Listings : Each Harvard school (e.g., Harvard College, Harvard Law School) may post specialized positions on their websites. Networking and Referrals : Many academic and research roles are filled through professional networks or direct outreach to departments. X Platform : Searching for “Harvard University jobs” on X can reveal real-time discussions, job postings, or employee experiences, though these should be verified through official channels. Additional Notes Qualifications : Requirements vary widely. Faculty roles typically need advanced degrees, while support roles may prioritize experience or specific skills. Work Environment : Harvard emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement. Application Process : Most positions require an online application through Harvard’s careers portal, including a resume, cover letter, and sometimes additional materials like teaching statements or research portfolios.

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