Title: Postdoctoral Fellowship in Religion and Identity Politics
School: Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Department_Area: Weatherhead Center for International Affairs
Position Description: The Weatherhead Research Cluster on Identity Politics at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship focusing on ethnic and religious politics and conflict. This fellowship is part of the annual cohort of the Weatherhead Scholars Program, which comprises 20-25 members, including postdoctoral fellows, visiting scholars, and practitioner fellows. The fellow will work closely with Melani Cammett, Clarence Dillon Professor of International Affairs in the Department of Government, Chair of the Weatherhead Research Cluster on Identity Politics, and Faculty Director of the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University.
The Weatherhead Research Cluster on Identity Politics and examines the complex dynamics of ethnic, religious, and identity-based politics and seeks to improve intergroup relations by collaborating with scholars from Harvard and other institutions across the globe. By hosting workshops, seminars, and lectures, the cluster fosters partnerships and promotes scholarship that draws on evidence from diverse global regions. This effort is not limited by geography-we encourage contributions that study conflict and coexistence in any part of the world, aiming to generate innovative insights and impactful policy recommendations.
This one-year postdoctoral fellowship aims to support scholars who have recently completed their PhD and whose research aligns with the social sciences, specifically in areas related to international and comparative ethnic politics. Strong quantitative data analysis skills are essential for this role. Fellows are expected to be in residence from late August to mid-May and participate actively in the weekly Weatherhead Scholars Seminar and other collaborative activities of the research cluster.
Key Responsibilities:
Conduct independent research related to religion and identity politics.
Engage with the Weatherhead Research Cluster on Identity Politics, contribute to its initiatives, and participate in their seminar series.
Participate in the weekly Weatherhead Scholars Seminar and other academic events at the Weatherhead Center.
Collaborate with fellow researchers and contribute to an interdisciplinary research environment.
The appointed postdoctoral fellow will receive a stipend of $70,000, payable over twelve months. The fellowship for the 2025-2026 academic year begins in August 2025. If an applicant has external funding to support their postdoctoral activities, this should be noted in the cover letter.
Basic Qualifications: Eligible applicants must have completed their PhD within the past three calendar years in sociology, political science, anthropology, religious studies, public policy, or related fields. The PhD degree must be conferred before the fellowship start date. Candidates who received their degree within one year of the start date must provide verification of degree completion in the form of a certificate of completion or a letter from the institution's registrar stating all requirements have been met and the date the degree was or will be conferred.
Additional Qualifications: Strong quantitative data analysis skills. A demonstrated research focus on the intersection of religion and identity politics. Experience engaging in interdisciplinary research or collaboration.
Special Instructions: Applications should include a cover letter, CV, research statement, and contact information for three references. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide additional documentation. Please note, references will be contacted once an application is submitted. If you have already submitted an application to the Weatherhead Scholars Program, there's not need to submit a second application.
The references you indicate will be emailed instructions on how to submit their recommendations, and the deadline for submitting references is December 23.
Contact Information: Walid Hammam Director, Weatherhead Scholars Program
Contact Email:
walid_hammam@wcfia.harvard.edu
Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law.
Minimum Number of References Required: 2
Maximum Number of References Allowed: 2
Keywords: international affairs, religion, identity, conflict, ethnicity, race, gender, religious politics, conflict analysis, conflict resolution, international relations.
Supplemental Questions: Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
