Application Process

Call for Applications - Cohort 2010-2012

Application Deadline: December 4, 2009

Overview:
The David E. Bell Postdoctoral Fellowship Program at the Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies (HCPDS) provides opportunities for research and leadership training in a flexible, one or two year non-degree program for researchers in the field of population and development. Selected candidates possess a strong record of academic training, proven research experience, a commitment to population and development work, the demonstrated ability to work independently, and leadership potential. This program is open to both U.S. and international scholars.

Bell Fellows examine a broad range of critical issues in the field of population and development from multidisciplinary perspectives. Most will have interests that match the HCPDS's focal areas: social and environmental determinants of population health; migration and immigration; causes and consequences of health transitions and aging societies; and gender and labor force participation. The wide range of perspectives will enhance the fellows' experiences and broaden the community life at the Center. In order to devote themselves fulltime to scholarly activities, there are no teaching obligations associated with this fellowship.

The Center's director and at least one member of the steering committee will serve as the fellow's primary mentors. Close interaction with Harvard faculty and researchers will also be fostered by way of participation in weekly activities and working groups. The Center provides a unique and dynamic environment where diverse interests, areas of expertise, and worldviews mix to promote creative thought on critical issues in population and development.

Program Goals:

• To train effective leaders in population and development.
• To improve fellows' analytical and research skills.
• To foster the ethical sensitivities needed for a career in the field of population and development.
• To increase fellows' exposure to and challenge their thinking on current issues in population and development.
• To enhance fellows' prospects for leadership through participation in Center activities, courses and working groups.
• To expand fellows' professional network for collaboration and exchange.

Stipend and Benefits:

Fellows have access to the full range of resources offered by Harvard University and the Harvard School of Public Health. Each fellow is provided with an office at the Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies in Harvard Square, Cambridge, library privileges, health benefits, a research and travel budget, and a stipend of $60,000 U.S. dollars per year (12 month appointment).

Expectations:

1. Prepare a Bell Fellow research work plan

Each Bell Fellow is expected to develop, present, and carry out a work plan for his/her tenure. This will serve as the blueprint for achieving the goals set forth in the fellowship. The development of the plan should be done with input from the Center director and mentors.

2. Present during the year in "Work-in-Progress" lunches in front of faculty and other fellows. These provide opportunities to garner feedback on ongoing work in a supportive environment.

2. Establish and/or join existing working groups.

4. Participate as much as possible in Center seminars, conferences, and other activities.

Application Procedure:

Applications will be accepted starting September 1, 2009. Completed applications must be received by 5:00 P.M. on Friday, December 4, 2009. Please note that ALL application materials must be submitted electronically and should include:

1. Curriculum Vitae.

2. PDF's of all transcripts from college and any graduate schools attended.

3. Research Proposal. No more than 2,000 words addressing the following questions:

• Describe your dissertation or other current research.
• What questions are you interested in addressing as a Bell Fellow? How will this build on your work to date, fill gaps in your current knowledge, and change your career trajectory?
• Describe your current methodological and analytical skills, and what advanced training you would hope to achieve in this area.
• Describe whether you would be interested in a one or two year fellowship and why.

4. A writing sample that demonstrates the applicant's writing and analytical skills, as well as the ability to generate interesting and original ideas. This can be published article or a draft publication.

5. Your current contact information including mailing address and phone number(s).

6. Three letters of recommendation, emailed directly from the recommender and, if possible, on letterhead. Letter writers should provide the following information:

• How long he/she has known the applicant
• Relationship to the applicant (e.g. advisor)
• Quantitative ranking of this candidate compared to others (e.g. top 10%):

In addition, the letter should comment on the applicant's:

• Writing skills
• Analytical skills
• Ability to form new and creative ideas and research questions
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment

All incoming scholars must provide proof that they have completed all doctoral requirements by the time of entry into the program. The following forms will be accepted 1) Copy of Diploma (Preferred); 2) Letter from Registrar's Office noting that all doctoral requirements have been completed; or 3) Letter from chair of thesis committee noting that all doctoral requirements have been completed.

All application materials should be emailed to:

Laura Price, Program Director
Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies
lprice@hsph.harvard.edu

**Please put "Bell Fellowship Application" in the subject line of the email.**

Letters of recommendation should be emailed directly from the recommender to the same address.

Two candidates will be chosen for the 2010-2012 cohort by March 1, 2010.

Please contact Ms. Price at the email address above with any questions.