Predoctoral Fellowship – Harvard University

Predoctoral Fellowship – Opportunity Insights, Harvard University

• Institution: Harvard University

• Academic Unit / Department: Faculty of Arts and Sciences – Opportunity Insights

• Job Reference / Requisition ID: Not specified

• Appointment Type: Full-Time

• Academic Rank / Level: Predoctoral Fellow

• Salary / Remuneration: USD 60,000 base salary + USD 8,000 bonus

• Location: Harvard University or Brown University

• Application Deadline: October 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET

📋 Overview of Role

Opportunity Insights (OI) at Harvard University is hiring several full-time Predoctoral Fellows to begin in Summer 2027. Fellows will work under the direction of Raj Chetty, John Friedman, and Nathan Hendren on research focused on economic mobility, inequality, and the use of large administrative data.

The fellowship typically lasts two years and provides preparation for graduate study in Economics or other social sciences, as well as related research careers.

🎯 Key Responsibilities & Teaching Scope

• Analyze data and develop statistical models.

• Create presentations and edit research papers.

• Conduct empirical and quasi-experimental research.

• Collaborate with OI faculty, students, and research partners.

• Participate in lab meetings, seminars, and other academic activities.

• Contribute to research translation and policy projects.

• Potentially co-author papers with faculty members and other researchers.

🎓 Qualifications & Candidate Profile

• Required Education: Bachelor's degree completed or expected by July 2027, or a master's degree.

• Experience & Specializations: Strong quantitative skills and experience with empirical research methods. Research experience is strongly preferred.

• Programming Skills: Experience with Stata, SAS, R, and/or Python is especially preferred.

• Academic Background: Economics major is not required, but applicants should have a strong interest in and some experience with Economics.

• Certifications / Licensure: Not specified.

💼 Remuneration & Benefits

• Salary: USD 60,000 base salary + USD 8,000 bonus.

• Salary and benefits are described as competitive with other top predoctoral fellowships.

• Fellows typically work full-time for two years before entering graduate school or pursuing related career paths.

• Fellows can participate in seminars and courses at Harvard and Brown.

📄 Application Checklist & Required Documents

1. Resume

2. Unofficial Transcript(s)

3. Writing Sample

4. Information for three references, including name, role, institution, and email

All supporting documents and reference information must be submitted through the Opportunity Insights online application form.

📬 Application Process

• 🔗 Application Link: https://academicpositions.harvard.edu/postings/16715

• 📧 Contact / Enquiries: hiring@opportunityinsights.org

• 📅 Deadline: October 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET

• Additional Requirement: Applicants must complete both the Harvard application and the Opportunity Insights online application form using the same email address.

• Selection Process: Coding exercise, first-round interview, and final-round interview.

• Expected Start Date: Around July 1, 2027.

🌐 Official Website / Domain: https://www.harvard.edu/