About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
Harvard University is now accepting applications for the 2026 Postdoctoral Fellow position at the Center for Geographic Analysis (CGA), housed within the Institute for Quantitative Social
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The opportunity is designed for outstanding early-career researchers specializing in geography, GIScience, spatial data , and related social science disciplines.
The fellowship offers scholars the chance to work in one of the world’s leading academic environments while contributing to cutting-edge research, spatial analysis training, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
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Applications for the position must be submitted by July 6, 2026, with the fellowship expected to begin during the Fall 2026 semester.
The Center for Geographic Analysis was established in 2006 to support research and teaching across Harvard University through the use of spatial technologies, geographic information systems (GIS), and geographic data science methods. The center provides technical training, research consultation, platform development, and support for a broad range of projects involving spatial data and analytics.
According to the official announcement, the selected Postdoctoral Fellow will play an important role in advancing the center’s mission of strengthening cross-disciplinary spatial analytical capacity across the university community. The fellow will work closely with researchers, students, and faculty while also developing an independent research portfolio.
The position includes several key responsibilities. Approximately 30 percent of the fellow’s time will focus on developing and delivering geographic data science and GIS training workshops for members of the Harvard community. This includes training in desktop GIS tools, spatial analysis methods, and other geographic data science approaches that support modern interdisciplinary research.
Educational Resources
Another major component of the fellowship involves contributing to CGA’s research support services. The fellow will collaborate with researchers across different disciplines by providing consultation, supporting project development, and contributing to research outputs such as peer-reviewed publications. This portion of the role represents another 30 percent of the appointment.
The fellowship also provides substantial support for independent academic development. Around 30 percent of the role will be dedicated to helping the fellow strengthen their own research profile, establish collaborations within and beyond Harvard, and pursue externally funded research opportunities. Fellows are encouraged to build professional networks and contribute to innovative research in spatial science and related fields.
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The remaining portion of the role will involve networking, outreach, and community-building activities aimed at increasing the visibility of the Center for Geographic Analysis within the broader geography and spatial science communities.
Harvard notes that there may also be opportunities for the fellow to contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching depending on departmental needs and available opportunities.
The fellowship is a full-time, benefits-eligible appointment with an annual salary ranging between USD 70,000 and USD 80,000. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on satisfactory performance and continued funding availability.
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To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must hold a PhD in geography, GIScience, or a related social science field. Candidates must also demonstrate experience using spatial analytic methods to address substantive social science research questions.
Harvard strongly prefers applicants with experience teaching spatial methods and proficiency in desktop GIS, R, and Python. Additional desirable qualifications include an interest in spatial artificial intelligence (AI), research project management experience, and the ability to collaborate across diverse research domains and disciplines.
Applicants who completed their PhD within the past 12 months will need to provide proof of degree completion or an official letter from their institution confirming that all degree requirements have been successfully completed.
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As part of the application process, candidates must submit a curriculum vitae (CV), a cover letter, a research statement, and contact information for three references. At least two referees should be faculty-level experts familiar with the applicant’s research background and qualifications. Applicants may also submit an optional sample paper.
The fellowship is administered through Harvard’s Institute for Quantitative Social Science, which emphasizes values such as inclusion, fairness, collegiality, and transparency within its academic and professional environment.
Harvard University also reaffirmed its commitment to equal opportunity and non-discrimination, encouraging applications from talented individuals from diverse backgrounds around the world.
Educational Resources
The CGA Postdoctoral Fellowship presents an important opportunity for researchers interested in spatial analytics, geographic data science GIS, spatial AI, and interdisciplinary social science research to gain experience at one of the most prestigious academic institutions globally while advancing impactful research and professional development.
How to apply