Harvard Salata Institute Predoctoral Research Fellowship in Environmental Economics 2027
Summary
The Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability at Harvard University is inviting applications for the Predoctoral Research Fellowship in Environmental Economics beginning in the summer of 2027. This full-time predoctoral position is designed to prepare outstanding individuals for doctoral programs in economics or related fields through rigorous research experience, mentorship, and professional development.
Position Overview
| Position Title | Salata Institute Predoctoral Research Fellow |
|---|---|
| Institution | Harvard University (Faculty of Arts and Sciences) |
| Department | Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability |
| Location | Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA (In-person) |
| Duration | 1 Year (Starting Summer 2027), renewable for a second year |
| Salary Range | $60,000 per year plus competitive benefits |
Designation
Predoctoral Research Fellow / Predoctoral Fellow
Research Area
Environmental and Agricultural Economics, Climate Policy, Empirical Microeconomics, Applied Economics, Geospatial Analysis, and Structural Modeling. Key topics cover a broad range of environmental and agricultural challenges working alongside faculty mentors including Ishan Nath, Anna Russo, and Wolfram Schlenker.
Location
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Fellows are expected to work full-time and in-person on the Harvard University campus.
Eligibility / Qualifications
Basic Qualifications
- Applicants must hold or plan to receive an undergraduate degree by the summer of 2027.
- International applicants are eligible and welcome to apply.
Additional Desired Qualifications
- Quantitative Background: Strong background in economics, mathematics, statistics, and/or computer science.
- Technical & Software Skills: Experience with programming, data science, and geospatial analysis (specifically using R, Stata, Julia, MATLAB, or Python).
- Academic Aspirations: Strong enthusiasm for empirical research and a demonstrated commitment to pursuing a PhD in economics or public policy.
- Core Competencies: Ability to work independently with meticulous attention to detail, strong oral and written communication skills, and a collaborative mindset.
Job Description
The Salata Institute Predoctoral Research Fellowship is designed to prepare promising researchers for top PhD programs in economics and public policy. Each fellow will work closely with 1–2 faculty mentors on empirical research projects covering pressing environmental and agricultural economics questions.
Responsibilities and benefits include:
- Exposure to a wide range of research tasks across different stages of the research cycle (data collection, clean up, statistical analysis, literature reviews, and empirical modeling).
- Direct mentorship and professional development support from leading Harvard faculty members.
- Access to Harvard University events, academic seminars, and opportunities to audit or take courses in the Economics Department, the Salata Institute, and the Harvard Kennedy School.
- Involvement in a supportive, collaborative, and engaging campus research environment.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should prepare the required materials and complete the official online application. Additionally, candidates are instructed to submit all application materials via email.
Required Application Documents:
- Cover Letter / Letter of Interest: Under one page, detailing specific topics, academic fields, or methodology of interest.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume
- Academic Transcripts: Unofficial or official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended.
- List of References: Contact information for a reference who can speak directly to your research skills and academic interests.
- Optional Research Sample: A written research paper (e.g., honors thesis or working paper) if available.
All application materials must also be emailed directly to salatapredocs@gmail.com.
Last Date for Apply
Open until filled / As specified on the official portal. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their materials as early as possible ahead of the Summer 2027 start date.
Apply Link
Candidates can review full posting details and apply online through the Harvard Academic Positions portal:
Apply for the Salata Institute Predoctoral Research Fellowship