About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
Founded in 1980 by Edwin Land, the Rowland Institute was established to support high-risk, creative research. In 2002, the Institute joined Harvard University, furthering its mission to advance the careers of promising experimental scientists and engineers. In 2024, the Institute relocated to Harvard’s main campus to enhance collaboration opportunities and access to university resources.
Rowland Fellows are selected based on their potential to lead ground-breaking research that often bridges traditional disciplinary boundaries. Alumni have pursued successful careers in academia, industry, and as founders of innovative startups.
Key Benefits of the Fellowship
The Rowland Fellowship provides substantial support for fellows to establish independent labs and pursue transformative research. Benefits include:
Full Principal Investigator Rights: Fellows have complete autonomy to design and lead their research programs.
Laboratory and Resources: Dedicated lab space, ancillary facilities (e.g., tissue culture), and access to shared research equipment at Harvard.
Funding: Generous start-up funds for capital equipment, a yearly operational budget starting at $225,000 for lab supplies, travel, and hiring personnel.
Salary and Benefits: Annual salary starting at $89,999 with full Harvard benefits.
Teaching Opportunities: Optional undergraduate teaching to facilitate student recruitment and provide mentorship experience.
Professional Support: Access to staff scientists and engineers, mentoring for lab management, guidance on scientific writing and budgeting, leadership training, and ongoing career development.
The fellowship term lasts up to five years, with flexible start dates for incoming 2027 fellows between July and December 2027.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Currently completing a PhD or have received a PhD after May 1, 2025.
PhD must be completed before beginning the fellowship.
Research must be experimentally focused in any science or engineering discipline, including physics, chemistry, biology, neuroscience, and engineering.
The program does not support human subjects or clinical research.
Applicants may be from any accredited academic institution, in the U.S. or internationally.
Both U.S. citizens and non-citizens are eligible; visa support is available if required.
Application Requirements
All applications must be submitted through the Harvard Careers website and include:
Elevator Pitch: A 250-word summary of research goals written for a general audience.
Statement of Research: Up to three pages describing the proposed research plan, including relevant prior work.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailed academic and professional history.
Vision Statement: One-page reflection on personal values, experiences in academia, and strategies to foster a supportive lab culture.
References: Contact information for three to four references; automated emails will be sent for letters of recommendation.
Applicants are encouraged to declare any use of AI tools in their materials, ensuring originality and personal voice.
Application Timeline – 2027 Rowland Fellowship
Applications Due: August 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT
Letters of Recommendation Due: August 15, 2026
Eligibility Notifications: September 2026
First-Round Zoom Interviews: October 2026
Finalist Onsite Interviews: November 2026
Day 1: Symposium and research presentations
Day 2: Meetings with current fellows, staff, and admissions committee
Selection Announcements: December 2026
How to apply