The Academic Deans’ Office conducts a number of searches to identify and recruit new faculty members. Searches arise when the dean and the academic deans, in consultation with the area chairs and other faculty members, perceive a need for a scholar in a given field.
In making faculty appointments, we use the following five criteria:
- Teaching
- Research
- Achievement in applied public policy and management
- Potential institutional contribution
- Quality of mind
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.
Our current searches are listed below. Applications should be submitted in writing to the chair of the appropriate search committee. If indicated in the advertisement, you may apply directly through Academic Recruiting Information eSystems (ARIeS).
For any technical assistance or search-related questions, please email hksacademicpositions@hks.harvard.edu.
AY26 Searches
Assistant Professor of Public Policy
Harvard Kennedy School invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor in public policy to start in Fall 2026. Candidates should conduct research and teaching in applied microeconomics and should be prepared to offer courses on their substantive expertise as well as on data analytics and/or machine learning. Preferred areas of specialization include the domestic or international dimensions of education, health, and social policy; housing, urban development, and transportation; immigration; public finance and tax policy; and technological change and innovation policy. Candidates should have a demonstrated interest in public or policy engagement and applying their perspectives to the practice of public policy. Requirements include a doctorate in economics and a strong capacity to integrate methods and insights across disciplinary boundaries.
Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a list of references, teaching evaluations if available, and at least one research paper here. We will begin considering applications on November 1, 2025, and we will continue to do so until the position is filled.
Technology and Public Policy Search (Open Rank)
Harvard Kennedy School invites applications for two open rank appointments in technology and public policy. We seek applications from scholars whose research and/or practice focuses on the intersection between emerging technologies and solving of public problems; tools, methods, and governance models to balance the societal and geopolitical opportunities and challenges technologies will create, or innovation, digital transformation, regulation, and other priority issues at the intersection of technology and public policy.
One position will focus on the application of new technologies to the solving of public problems. We are particularly interested in computer scientists or social scientists who harness tools of AI, data science, and computer science to improve the performance of public and social sector institutions in critical policy areas.
One position will focus at the intersection of science, technology, public policy, and global affairs. We seek scholars, practitioners, or technologists whose work explores how scientific and technological change shapes global affairs, and/or public policies and models of governance to address scientific and technological change. Fields of expertise could include, but would not be limited to, scientific innovation, technology development and deployment, global science and technology cooperation and competition, cybersecurity, biosecurity and biotechnology, nuclear issues, AI and autonomous systems, quantum technologies, space competition, critical-infrastructure resilience, and/or industrial and innovation policy. The successful candidate will be an affiliate of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.
Candidates for both positions should have a demonstrated interest in public or policy engagement and applying their perspectives to the practice of public policy. Applicants from academic backgrounds will require a doctorate or equivalent credential in a relevant field and a strong capacity to integrate methods and insights across disciplinary boundaries. Applicants who are policy practitioners or technologists will require extraordinary experience in their domain. Applicants should submit a cover letter and CV online here.
Review of applications will begin on December 1, and full consideration will be given to applications received before January 15th. We will consider applications until the position is filled.
Pierre Keller Visiting Professorship
The Pierre Keller Visiting Professorship provides an opportunity for a scholar with a well-established record of work and academic achievement in the field of European Union public policy and transatlantic relations to teach and conduct research in residence at the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS). The Visiting Professorship can take place either in the fall of 2026 (September to December) or in the spring of 2027 (January to June), in consultation with HKS.
The recipient is expected to teach one course open to Kennedy School and Faculty of Arts and Sciences students during the fall of 2026 or spring of 2027 term on a transatlantic or EU-related subject to be negotiated with HKS.
The professorship provides a stipend of 60,000 USD and covers transatlantic travel expenses of up to 2,000 USD.
Applications should be sent no later than November 10, 2025, via the Harvard ARiES system. See posting and instructions here.
Professor of Public Policy
Harvard Kennedy School seeks a scholar of the highest distinction to appoint as a professor of public policy, focusing on American politics, elections, and policy. We particularly welcome applications from scholars whose research focuses on those American principles, institutions, and norms that support a free and fair society. Specializations may include individual liberties, federalism, government regulations and efficiency, electoral campaigns, social and religious movements, and the relationship between government and the rights of private citizens. Candidates should have a demonstrated interest in public or policy engagement and applying their perspectives to the practice of public policy. Requirements include a doctorate in political science and a strong capacity to integrate methods and insights across disciplinary boundaries.
Applicants should submit a letter of interest and CV to Professor Maya Sen, Search Committee Chair, here. We will consider applications until the position is filled.
Professor of Public Policy
Harvard Kennedy School seeks a scholar of the highest distinction to appoint as a professor of public policy, with a special emphasis on power and difference. We particularly welcome applications from scholars with policy specializations that might include racial and ethnic inequality, economic inequality, education, family, work, housing, public finance, migration, social movements, legal reform, civil rights leadership or organization, electoral campaigns, and/or urban studies. This position is open with respect to discipline, with a particular interest in political science, sociology, or history. Candidates should have a demonstrated interest in public or policy engagement and applying their perspectives to the practice of public policy. Requirements include a doctorate in a relevant field and a strong capacity to integrate methods and insights across disciplinary boundaries.
Applicants should submit a letter of interest and CV to Professor Archon Fung, Search Committee Chair, here. We will consider applications until the position is filled.
For More Information
Laura Medeiros
Senior Director of Faculty Appointments
617-495-1179
Christina Murphy
Associate Director of Faculty Appointments
617-495-1166