Harvard Environmental Fellows Program 2026 – Apply Now

About the Fellowship

The Harvard University Environmental Fellows Program, hosted by the Harvard University Center for the Environment, invites applications for the 2026 cohort. Designed for recent PhD graduates across all disciplines, the fellowship provides a unique two-year opportunity to conduct innovative research on pressing environmental challenges while working closely with Harvard faculty mentors. Fellows gain access to Harvard’s world-class resources, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a vibrant intellectual community. The program emphasises building cross-disciplinary networks, offering co-curricular events, dinners, and networking opportunities. With generous funding, relocation and research support, and mentorship, the fellowship empowers scholars to push the boundaries of environmental research while contributing to global academic and societal goals.

Fellowship / Details

Position Title: Harvard University Environmental Fellow
Host Institution: Harvard University
Administering Body / Funding Agency: Harvard University Center for the Environment
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Research Field(s): Environmental studies, interdisciplinary research (all academic disciplines eligible)
Fellowship Type: Postdoctoral Fellowship (Full-time)
Level: Early-career researchers / recent doctorate recipients
Fellowship Duration: 2 years
Expected Start Date: September 2026
Working Hours: Full-time, residency required in Cambridge, MA
Funding/Compensation: $90,000 annual salary; health insurance eligibility; up to $2,500 relocation reimbursement; $2,500 annual professional/travel allowance
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD or equivalent terminal degree (awarded May 2022 – Aug 2026)

Supported Research Fields / Areas

Environmental studies and sciences
Interdisciplinary projects addressing environmental challenges
All academic disciplines eligible (humanities, sciences, social sciences, engineering, law, policy, etc.)

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Terminal degree (PhD or equivalent) awarded between May 2022 and Aug 2026
Strong research record and scholarly potential
Commitment from a Harvard faculty host to provide mentorship and office/lab space

Preferred Qualifications:

International applicants welcome (English proficiency required)
Willingness to pursue new research directions and collaborations within Harvard

Not Eligible:

Candidates proposing to continue work with their dissertation advisor or existing lab groups

Fellowship / Job Benefits

$90,000 annual salary for two years
Health insurance eligibility
Relocation reimbursement (up to $2,500)
Annual travel/professional allowance ($2,500)
Research and office/lab space at Harvard
Mentorship from Harvard faculty
Co-curricular programme with networking events and dinners

Key Responsibilities

Conduct independent, innovative research in environmental fields
Collaborate across Harvard departments and schools
Engage in interdisciplinary dialogue with other fellows
Participate in co-curricular programme and community activities

Application Process

How to Apply:

Complete the online application form
Submit required documents in PDF format

Required Documents:

Curriculum Vitae (with publications list)
Research proposal (max. 5 pages, excluding references)
Up to 3 publications/writing samples
Three recommendation letters (including one from dissertation adviser)
Letter of support from Harvard faculty host (sent directly to environmental_fellows@harvard.edu)