Reischauer Institute Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026-27

The Edwin O. Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies (RIJS) at Harvard University will offer several Postdoctoral Fellowships in Japanese Studies to recent Ph.D. graduates of exceptional promise, to provide the opportunity for postdoctoral fellows to turn their dissertations into publishable manuscripts and to continue their research in Japanese studies.

1. Application Deadline: December 19, 2025
2. Value: $70,000 stipend + up to $5,000 research funds + Harvard benefits
3. Study Level: Postdoctoral
4. Sponsor: Harvard University
5. Course to Study: Japanese Studies (Humanities / Social Sciences)
6. Eligible Country: All countries

Eligibility Criteria for Reischauer Institute Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026-27

Applicants must have received their Ph.D. in 2021 or later, in Japanese studies, in any area of the humanities or social sciences. RIJS especially encourages applications from those who have not previously held postdoctoral appointments at Harvard. Those who are selected to receive fellowships must have a Registrar-certified Ph.D. degree by June 30, 2026. Please note that the fellowship is contingent upon degree documentation and is subject to rescission if the deadline is not met.

Benefits of Reischauer Institute Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026-27

1. Stipend of $70,000 and research funds up to $5,000. This appointment is eligible for subsidized medical, dental, vision, and other benefits through Harvard University.
2. Postdoctoral fellows will be provided office space, as well as access to the libraries and resources of Harvard University.

How to Apply

The postdoctoral fellowship application is available online:

[ONLINE APPLICATION HERE]

The application contains the following:

I. Personal Information (Required)

1. Candidate Information
2. Contact Information
3. Sponsorship: Will you now or in the future require visa sponsorship?
4. Educational Background

II. Reference Letters (Required)

Two reference letters are required. On your online application, two reference entries must be created. Once your application is submitted by the applicant deadline December 19, 2025 (Friday), ARIeS will automatically generate reference solicitation emails to your recommenders. Reference letters must be submitted by the recommender deadline January 9, 2026 (Friday). Your application will not be considered complete until all materials are received.

III. Supplemental Questions (Required)

1. Please state your thesis title.
2. Have you previously applied for any postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard? If yes, which and when?
3. Have you previously received any postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard or elsewhere? If yes, which and when?
4. Are you currently applying for other postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard or elsewhere? If yes, which?
5. Please provide a short summary of your research plan at Harvard. (200 words)
6. Please indicate your current employment status and institution. (e.g. graduate student/Ph.D. candidate; postdoctoral fellow; non-tenure track position; tenure-track position; currently job searching)

IV. Supplemental Materials (Required)

Please upload each of the following required materials to your application.

1. Statement of Research (2 pages): What research do you plan to pursue during the fellowship term? What do you plan to do at each stage, and what particular resources do you intend to use? What are the advantages of spending a postdoctoral fellowship year at Harvard; are there specific individuals or resources you hope to seek out while in residence?
2. Curriculum Vitae: Please include your citizenship, current and permanent addresses, telephone number(s), email address; academic degrees with dates of conferral, discipline and institution; current employer; and a list of publications.
3. Transcript: Please submit an official electronic transcript or OPEN your official paper transcript to scan as part of your complete application. **If your Ph.D. comes from a non-US university that does not issue an official transcript of grades, please submit alternative documentation of your enrollment and progress in the degree program, as well as a written statement that you are unable to provide an official transcript of grades.
4. Dissertation Abstract (1 page)
5. Dissertation Table of Contents
6. Dissertation Chapter: We will also accept a published article submitted in lieu of the dissertation chapter as a writing sample.

IV. University Voluntary Demographic Questions (Optional)

1. Self-Identification of Protected Veteran Status
2. Self-Identification of Disability
3. Other Demographic Questions

You may opt out of any or all of these questions on ARIeS.

Application Deadline

December 19, 2025

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Reischauer Institute Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026-27