Our Job Post Completeness indicates how much vital information has been provided for this job listing. Academic Jobs has done the heavy lifting for you and summarized all the important aspects of this job to save you time.
Know Someone Great?
Help build our team with the best people you know.
Enter 1 or many referrals below.
Your details
Invitees Details
Position Description:
The Rowland Institute at Harvard seeks outstanding early-career experimentalists in all fields of science and engineering. The Rowland Fellowship provides an opportunity to establish an independent program in the rich intellectual environment of Cambridge, Massachusetts. To qualify, applicants should currently be in the process of either completing their PhDs and/or have received their PhD after May 1, 2025. Fellows must have completed their doctoral degree prior to starting their Fellowship term.
Edwin Land founded the Rowland Institute of Science in 1980 to foster high-risk, creative research. In 2002, we became the Rowland Institute at Harvard when we joined the University with the mission of advancing the early careers of experimental scientists and engineers. In 2024 we moved from our original building to main campus to be closer to collaborators and university resources. In our founder's tradition, we are particularly interested in supporting scholars who have the potential to establish a ground-breaking research program in a field that bridges traditional disciplinary boundaries. Previous Rowland Fellows have gone on to extremely successful careers, mostly in academia, but also in industry and as founders of startup companies.
The benefits of a Rowland Fellowship include:
Fellows will have full principal investigator rights and will establish their labs in an interdisciplinary and interactive environment, in the rich intellectual environment of Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Fellows will be provided with dedicated laboratory space, and ancillary spaces as needed (e.g. cell culture, magnet rooms etc); generous start-up funding for capital equipment, depending on the Fellow's research program; a yearly budget starting at $225,000 for general operations (lab supplies, travel, etc.) and the hiring of personnel (postdoctoral fellows, postbacs, undergraduates); and, a salary that begins at $89,999 per year with full Harvard benefits.
Fellows may have the opportunity to teach undergraduates during their Fellowship, to enable contact with students (ideally in an active research setting, rather than in a classroom), both to help Fellows recruit talented students to their labs and to provide teaching experience that will help them in any career they choose.
Staff scientists and engineers are available to work directly with Rowland Fellows to design and fabricate new experimental set-ups. Shared research equipment is available at facilities within the Institute and also throughout Harvard University (e.g. the Center for Nanoscale Systems, and the Bauer Life Science Core Facility).
Fellows will receive mentoring to develop a productive lab culture, support for scientific writing and budgeting, alongside ongoing support for career development throughout the Fellowship period, including leadership training and access to Harvard's Core for Mentorship Excellence.
The Fellowship lasts for five years. Incoming 2027 Rowland Fellows will have the choice of a flexible start date, between July-December 2027.
Deadline for applications is Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 11:59PM EDT.
Basic Qualifications:
Applicants should currently be in the process of either completing their PhDs, and/or have received their PhD after May 1, 2025
Fellows must have competed their doctoral degree prior to starting their Fellowship term
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.
