About the Fellowship
Each year, Harvard Divinity School selects five scholars for its renowned Women’s Studies in Religion Program (WSRP). The fellowship offers Research Associate and Visiting Faculty positions for the academic year 2026–27, supporting book-length research projects that place religion and gender at the centre of analysis. Projects may focus on any tradition, region, or historical period and are encouraged to draw on interdisciplinary approaches from theology, the humanities, and the social sciences. Fellows benefit from the rich academic environment of Harvard University, engaging in collaborative discussions, teaching, and public lectures. This opportunity enables scholars to advance significant research contributions while fostering global dialogue on the intersections of gender, religion, and culture.
Fellowship / Details
- Position Title: Research Associate and Visiting Faculty – Women’s Studies in Religion Program (WSRP)
- Host Institution: Harvard Divinity School, Harvard University
- Administering Body / Funding Agency: Harvard University
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Research Field(s): Religion, Gender Studies, Theology, Humanities, Social Sciences
- Fellowship Type: Full-time Research Fellowship / Visiting Faculty
- Level: Mid-career and Senior-level scholars with PhD
- Fellowship Duration: 10 months (academic year 2026–27)
- Expected Start Date: September 2026
- Working Hours: Full-time residency required
- Funding/Compensation: USD $65,000 salary, health benefits, and partial expense reimbursement
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD in Religion or related fields in Humanities, Social Sciences, or Public Policy
Supported Research Fields / Areas
- Religion and Gender Studies
- Theology and Religious Studies
- Humanities (history, philosophy, cultural studies)
- Social Sciences (anthropology, sociology, political science, public policy)
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD awarded by 1 October 2025
- Demonstrated research expertise in religion and gender studies
- Commitment to producing a publishable scholarly work
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong publication record in related fields
- University teaching experience
- Proven ability to work in interdisciplinary research environments
Not Eligible:
- Applicants without a PhD by the deadline
- Candidates relying on AI-generated application content (explicitly prohibited)
Fellowship / Job Benefits
- Salary: USD $65,000 for 10 months
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Reimbursement of selected research and academic expenses
- Office space and access to Harvard Divinity School resources
- Participation in a vibrant scholarly community
- Opportunity to present research in lectures and conferences
Key Responsibilities
- Full-time residency at Harvard Divinity School during the fellowship year
- Conduct independent research on the approved project
- Teach one semester-long course related to the project
- Engage in regular seminars and collaborative discussions with other fellows
- Present research in a public lecture and contribute to the annual WSRP conference
Application Process
How to Apply:
- Submit the application via the Academic Positions at Harvard portal
- Upload all required documents in PDF, Word, or acceptable formats
- Confirm originality of intellectual work (no AI-generated content)
Required Documents:
- Research project description (max 1,250 words)
- Title and description of a women’s studies course (max 1 page)
- Background in women’s studies (max 750 words)
- Curriculum Vitae (max 10 pages)
- Writing sample (article or chapter)
- Two letters of recommendation
Important Dates
- Application Opens: Already open
- Deadline: 15 October 2025
- Interview Period: Early 2026 (if applicable)
- Final Results Notification: Mid-2026
- Fellowship Start Date: September 2026
Where to Apply
- Institution Website: Harvard Divinity School – Women’s Studies in Religion Program
- Official Fellowship Notification: Harvard Academic Positions Portal
- Apply Online Here: Application Portal – Harvard University
Contact for Queries: wsrp@hds.harvard.edu | +1 617 495 5705
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