Postdoctoral Fellowship in Environmental Sciences
Harvard University
Position Details
Title
Weatherhead Scholars Program – Hicham Alaoui Postdoctoral Fellowship in Climate and Environmental Studies
School
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Department/Area
Weatherhead Center for International Affairs
Position Description
The Weatherhead Scholars Program at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs invites applications for the 2027–2028 Hicham Alaoui Postdoctoral Fellowship, a one-year, residential opportunity for early-career scholars in the social sciences whose research focuses on climate and/or environmental issues in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The Hicham Alaoui Postdoctoral Fellow will join a multidisciplinary cohort—including other postdoctoral fellows, visiting faculty and practitioner fellows—in residence at Harvard for the academic year. The program fosters a dynamic intellectual community through a weekly seminar, professional development workshops, and engagement with the broader Weatherhead Center and Harvard communities. Fellows are expected to be on campus from late August through mid-May and to participate actively in program activities.
About the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs
The Weatherhead Center is Harvard’s largest international research center, supporting rigorous scholarship on global, comparative, transnational, and international issues. Founded in 1958, the Center brings together faculty, fellows, and students from across the University to address pressing global challenges, including conflict and governance, inequality, environmental change, migration, and international development. It serves as an interdisciplinary hub for research, exchange, and public dialogue.
About the Weatherhead Scholars Program
The Weatherhead Scholars Program is a flagship initiative of the Center that brings together an intellectually diverse, international cohort of postdoctoral researchers, visiting faculty, and practitioner fellows for a year-long residency. Fellows pursue independent research while participating in a weekly seminar, professional development sessions, and collaborative programming across the Center. The program cultivates a vibrant intellectual community that bridges academia and practice, drawing scholars from a wide range of disciplines and professional backgrounds—including government, journalism, diplomacy, civil society, and academia. The Postdoctoral Fellow may be invited to teach a Harvard class during the course of their appointment.
Benefits
The Hicham Alaoui Postdoctoral Fellow will receive a stipend of $70,000, payable over twelve months.
Basic Qualifications
Applicants must have received a PhD within the past three calendar years in a relevant social science field—such as political science, sociology, anthropology, history, economics, public policy, or environmental studies. Research must focus on topics related to climate and/or the environment in the Middle East and North Africa. The PhD must be conferred before the fellowship start date. Applicants with external funding are welcome to apply but must undergo the same review process.
Additional Qualifications
Special Instructions
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS October 8, 2026. PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR A LIST OF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
Contact Information
Walid Hammam
Director, Weatherhead Scholars Program
Weatherhead Center for International Affairs
Harvard University
Please see the Weatherhead Scholars Program website and Frequently Asked Questions before contacting.
Contact Email
walid_hammam@wcfia.harvard.edu
Salary Range
$70,000
Minimum Number of References Required
2
Maximum Number of References Allowed
3
Keywords
Democracy and Governance, Migration and Refugees, Political Economy, International Development, Global Security, Public Policy, International Relations, International Affairs, Conflict Resolution, Environmental Policy, Sustainable Development, Humanitarian Aid, Diplomacy, Global Health, Transnational Issues, Social Justice, Economic Development, Global Governance, Cultural Diplomacy, Trade and Investment, International Law, Peacebuilding, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Human Rights, International Institutions, Foreign Policy, Civil Society, International Cooperation, War and Peace, Human Security.
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 (*).
- In what year did you receive your Ph.D.?
(Open Ended Question) - In what discipline did you complete your Ph.D.?
(Open Ended Question) - Please list your research interests (200 character limit)
(Open Ended Question) - Will you hold a doctoral degree by the date indicated in the job advertisement?
- Yes
- No
- Please list any faculty member(s) with related research interests.
(Open Ended Question) - Please provide a short description of your fellowship research plan, why you want to come to Harvard, and your goals for the fellowship period (ex. monograph project, specific archival collections on campus, etc). 200-300 words.
(Open Ended Question) - Please indicate the academic discipline of your PhD
- Political Science
- Anthropology
- History
- Economics
- Sociology
- Other
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter
- Statement of Research
- Dissertation Abstract