About the Fellowship
The American School of Prehistoric Research (ASPR) at Harvard University invites applications for the 2026 ASPR Junior Fellowship, a prestigious postdoctoral research opportunity dedicated to advancing studies in Old World prehistory. This fellowship offers early-career scholars the chance to conduct independent, high-impact research within Harvard’s globally recognised academic environment. Fellows will have access to world-class resources, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the opportunity to teach one course in the second year of their appointment. With competitive funding and mentorship from leading scholars, this programme nurtures academic excellence and contributes to global understanding of human origins and prehistoric cultures.
Fellowship Details
- Position Title: American School of Prehistoric Research Junior Fellowship
- Host Institution: Harvard University – Faculty of Arts and Sciences
- Administering Body / Funding Agency: American School of Prehistoric Research (ASPR)
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Research Field(s): Archaeology, Prehistory, Anthropology, Human Evolutionary Biology
- Fellowship Type: Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Level: Early-career
- Fellowship Duration: Two years, extendable to a maximum of three years
- Expected Start Date: 1 July 2026
- Working Hours: Full-time, as per Harvard University norms
- Funding/Compensation: USD 80,000 per year with full benefits, plus a USD 20,000 annual research stipend
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD in a relevant discipline (awarded within three years prior to fellowship start date)
Supported Research Fields / Areas
Main Disciplines:
- Old World Prehistory
- Palaeolithic Archaeology
- Human Evolutionary Studies
Interdisciplinary Areas:
- Environmental Archaeology
- Anthropology
- Human Evolutionary Biology
- Geoarchaeology
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in archaeology, anthropology, or related field focused on Old World prehistory
- Degree awarded within three years prior to the start date (by July 2026)
- Demonstrated record of independent, high-quality research
Preferred Qualifications:
- Evidence of scholarly publications or peer-reviewed research
- Experience collaborating across disciplines
- Teaching or mentoring experience at the university level
Not Eligible:
- Candidates who received their PhD more than three years before the start of the fellowship
Fellowship / Job Benefits
- Annual salary of USD 80,000
- USD 20,000 research stipend per year for fieldwork and professional expenses
- Comprehensive health insurance and benefits
- Access to Harvard’s facilities, laboratories, and libraries
- Opportunity to teach one course in the second year
- Dedicated faculty mentorship within relevant departments
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct independent, original research in Old World prehistory
- Collaborate with Harvard faculty and the ASPR community
- Publish findings in high-impact journals and conferences
- Deliver one course during the second year of the fellowship
- Participate actively in seminars, workshops, and academic discussions
Application Process
How to Apply:
- Submit your complete application via Harvard’s official application system
- Ensure all materials are received by 25 January 2026
Required Documents:
- Completed application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research proposal (maximum 1,000 words)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Academic transcripts (undergraduate and graduate)
- 1–3 writing samples or published papers
Important Dates
- Application Opens: Currently open
- Deadline: 25 January 2026
- Fellowship Start Date: 1 July 2026
Where to Apply
- Institution Website: Harvard University
- Official Fellowship Notification: Harvard FAS – ASPR Junior Fellowship 2026
- Apply Now: click here
Contact for Queries:
- Clara Alexander, ASPR Staff Assistant – calexander@fas.harvard.edu
- Dan Lieberman, Faculty Mentor – danlieb@fas.harvard.edu
- Rowan Flad, Faculty Mentor – rflad@fas.harvard.edu
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