The Postdoctoral Fellowship program invests in future leaders in academia—political scientists, anthropologists, historians, and humanists, among others—who generate big ideas that spark new conversations and deep insights about the region.
Postdoctoral fellows are selected on a highly competitive basis and serve a full-time, nine-month term in residence. During that period, we aim to give fellows an intellectual home where they have the time, space, and resources to pursue their research; a community where they can learn from one another; opportunities to engage with others at Harvard; and chances to contribute to the longer-term programmatic interests of the Davis Center.
During the fellowship, many postdoctoral fellows turn their manuscript into a book, present their research to the Davis Center community, and interact with colleagues at the Davis Center and academic departments at Harvard. As a fellow, you will encounter rich experiences and meaningful connections that will endure well beyond the fellowship year. Past postdoctoral fellows report that full access to Harvard Library and the Davis Center Collection at Fung Library is invaluable to their research.
Benefits
- 9-month, full time, in-residence fellowship (September 1, 2026 - May 31, 2027);
- Stipend of at least $50,700 for 9 months (based on an annual stipend of at least $67,600), with an additional $2,500 in research funding;
- Eligible for employee benefits (including subsidized health insurance);
- Shared office space at the Davis Center;
- Full access and borrowing privileges to Harvard's library facilities, including electronic resources;
- The opportunity to sign up for Harvard courses
- The opportunity to present research in the New Research Workshop and receive feedback from colleagues and faculty on works-in-progress
- The opportunity to participate in Davis Center programming, including seminars, conferences, and other academic activities.
International scholars are provided visa support from the Harvard International Office.
Eligibility
- Research proposals must focus on the above disciplines as they relate to Russia and/or Eurasia;
- The Davis Center defines "Eurasia" as consisting of the following regions: the Baltics, Eastern Europe, Southeastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia
- Eligible applicants will have completed their Ph.D. (or international equivalent) between September 2021 and September 2026;
- Citizens of all countries are eligible to apply.
If you do not currently meet the eligibility requirements, consider applying for affiliation via the Visiting Scholars program.
How to Apply
Applications for AY 2026-2027 will open in mid-to-late November 2025. Please check back later for the application link.
Current Postdoctoral Fellows
Learn more about the current academic year's postdoctoral fellows and their research.
Testimonials
The Davis Center community was fantastic. I am especially grateful to the graduate students and junior researchers who were there at the same time as me. It felt like a real community where we supported each other and helped each other with research questions, professional tips, etc. The Center's fellows gave incredibly helpful feedback when I gave my first mock job talks in the seminar. I co-organized a conference during my postdoc and the Davis Center staff went above and beyond in advising and offering administrative support. Also the Davis Center offices are beautiful and very conducive to working!
Ania Aizman
Postdoctoral Fellow in Literature and Culture, 2017–2018
