Weatherhead Scholars Program Visiting Scholar in International Affairs at Harvard University – Cambridge, Massachusetts

Harvard University

Position

Details

TitleWeatherhead Scholars Program Visiting Scholar in International AffairsSchoolFaculty of Arts and SciencesDepartment/AreaWeatherhead Center for International AffairsPosition DescriptionThe Weatherhead Scholars Program at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs invites applications for its 2026-2027 Visiting Scholar appointments, a one-year, residential opportunity for tenured or tenure-track faculty members. Visiting Scholars are in residence at Harvard for the academic year, where they join a multidisciplinary cohort—including postdoctoral fellows and practitioner fellows—and pursue independent research on international, comparative, transnational, or global issues in the social sciences. The program fosters a dynamic intellectual community through a weekly seminar, professional development workshops, and engagement with the broader Weatherhead Center and Harvard communities. Participants are expected to be on campus from late August through mid-May and to participate actively in program activities. While the appointment is typically for one academic year, in limited cases one-semester appointments may be possible.

About the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs

The Weatherhead Center is Harvard’s largest international research center, supporting rigorous scholarship on global, comparative, transnational, and international issues. Founded in 1958, the Center brings together faculty, fellows, and students from across the University to address pressing global challenges, including conflict and governance, inequality, environmental change, migration, and international development. It serves as an interdisciplinary hub for research, exchange, and public dialogue.

About the Weatherhead Scholars Program

The Weatherhead Scholars Program is a flagship initiative of the Center that brings together a intellectually diverse, international cohort of postdoctoral researchers, visiting scholars, and practitioner fellows for a year-long residency. Fellows pursue independent research while participating in a weekly seminar, professional development sessions, and collaborative programming across the Center. The program cultivates a vibrant intellectual community that bridges academia and practice, drawing scholars from a wide range of disciplines and professional backgrounds—including government, journalism, diplomacy, civil society, and academia.

Basic QualificationsEligibility

Applicants must hold a PhD in a social science discipline—such as international affairs, political science, sociology, history, economics, environmental studies, or a related field—and a tenured or tenure-track position at an academic institution. They must be actively engaged in research on international, comparative, transnational, or global issues in the social sciences.

Please note: This appointment is intended for individuals in tenured or tenure-track faculty positions. If you are not in a tenured or tenure-track role, or if you are an academic researcher affiliated with a think tank or research institute—you should apply to the Practitioner Fellowship. Recent PhD graduates should consider applying to our Postdoctoral Fellowship.

Additional QualificationsSpecial Instructions APPLICATION DEADLINE IS November 4, 2025. PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR A LIST OF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.

Administrative Fee

There is an administrative fee of $5,000 per semester ($10,000 for the academic year). In past years, this fee has been covered through personal financing, government support, or private funding from foundations and research centers.

Contact InformationWalid Hammam

Director, Weatherhead Scholars Program

Weatherhead Center for International Affairs

Harvard University

Please see the Weatherhead Scholars Program website and Frequently Asked Questions before contacting.

Contact Emailwalid_hammam@wcfia.harvard.eduSalary RangeThis position does not have salary.

Minimum Number of References Required2Maximum Number of References Allowed2KeywordsDemocracy and Governance, Migration and Refugees, Political Economy, International Development, Global Security, Public Policy, International Relations, International Affairs, Conflict Resolution, Environmental Policy, Sustainable Development, Humanitarian Aid, Diplomacy, Global Health, Transnational Issues, Social Justice, Economic Development, Global Governance, Cultural Diplomacy, Trade and Investment, International Law, Peacebuilding, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Human Rights, International Institutions, Foreign Policy, Civil Society, International Cooperation, War and Peace, Human Security.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment StatementHarvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. Please list your research interests (200 character limit)
2. (Open Ended Question)
3. What is your current faculty rank, if applicable?
4. (Open Ended Question)
5. Please list any faculty member(s) with related research interests.
6. (Open Ended Question)
7. Please provide an abstract or short summary of your proposed fellowship research project. 200-300 words
8. (Open Ended Question)
9. Please select your academic discipline.

• Political Science and/or International Affairs
• History
• Economics
• Sociology
• Anthropology
• Other

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter
3. Statement of Research

Optional Documents