Application Process
The Application Period for the 2012-2014 cohort has now passed. The next Call for Applications will be announced in September 2013.
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 postdoctoral 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 or associate director plus 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 space at the Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies in Harvard Square, Cambridge, plus library privileges, health benefits, a research and travel budget, and a stipend of $60,000 U.S. dollars per year (12 month appointment).
Application Procedure:
Applications will be accepted starting September 6, 2012. Completed applications must be received by 5:00 P.M. on Friday, November 30, 2012. 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. You must have completed all doctoral requirements prior to starting the program on Sept 1, 2013 (see #7 below).
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 which Pop Center faculty you would be interested in collaborating with and 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. The page limit to the writing sample is 20 pages. If you send more, then only the first 20 pages will accepted.
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
7. 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. Those with MD’s and JD’s are also eligible to apply.
All application materials should be emailed to:
**Please put “Bell Fellowship Application” in the subject line of the email.**
Note: If you are applying for both the Bell Fellowship and the Spiegelman Fellowship, we can use the same application materials. Simply put “Bell and Spiegelman Fellowship” in the subject line of your email and also indicate in your email text that you wish to be considered for both.
Letters of recommendation should be emailed directly from the recommender to the same address.
Two candidates will be chosen by March 15, 2013.
Questions? Please contact Laura Price, Program Director, at lprice@hsph.harvard.edu.