Harvard University Rowland Fellows Program 2026: Empowering Early-Career Experimental Scientists

If you're an early-career experimentalist eager to establish an independent research program within a vibrant academic environment, the Rowland Fellows Program at Harvard University offers an unparalleled opportunity. Applications for the 2026 cohort are now open, inviting innovative scientists and engineers to lead groundbreaking research at the Rowland Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

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📝Rowland Fellowship Summary

• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

• Host Institution: Rowland Institute at Harvard University

• Academic Level: Postdoctoral Fellowship

• Target Group: Early-career experimental scientists and engineers

• Fields of Research: All experimental sciences and engineering disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, neuroscience, and engineering

• Coverage:

  • Annual salary starting at $89,999 with full Harvard benefits

  • Annual research budget starting at $225,000 for lab operations, personnel, and travel

  • Generous start-up funds for capital equipment

  • Dedicated laboratory space and access to shared research facilities

• Duration: Up to 5 years

• Application Deadline: August 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM EDT

• Start Date: Flexible; between September and December 2026

• Eligible to: Candidates worldwide who meet the eligibility criteria

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🗒️ Fellowship Overview

Established in 1980 by Edwin H. Land, the Rowland Institute became part of Harvard University in 2002. The Rowland Fellows Program is designed to support early-career experimentalists in establishing independent research programs that push the boundaries of science and engineering. Fellows are granted full principal investigator rights, enabling them to lead their own labs within an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment.

In 2024, the Institute relocated to Harvard's main campus to foster closer collaboration with university resources and departments. This move enhances opportunities for interdisciplinary research and access to state-of-the-art facilities.

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🎓 Fellowship Benefits

• Independent Research Leadership: Fellows operate as principal investigators, leading their own research groups.

• Financial Support:

  • Annual salary of $89,999 with comprehensive benefits

  • Annual research budget starting at $225,000

  • Start-up funds for necessary equipment

• Facilities and Resources:

  • Dedicated laboratory space tailored to research needs

  • Access to shared facilities like the Center for Nanoscale Systems and the Bauer Life Science Core Facility

  • Support from experienced staff scientists and engineers for experimental setup and fabrication

• Professional Development:

  • Opportunity to teach undergraduates, providing valuable teaching experience and student engagement

  • Mentorship in lab management, scientific writing, budgeting, and leadership through Harvard’s Core for Mentorship Excellence

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✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Background: Applicants should be in the process of completing their PhD or have received their PhD after May 1, 2024. The doctoral degree must be completed before the fellowship start date.

• Research Focus: Proposed research must be experimentally focused in any field of science or engineering. Note: Human subjects or clinical research projects are not supported.

• Nationality: Open to candidates of all nationalities.

• Institutional Affiliation: Applicants from any accredited academic institution, both within the United States and internationally, are eligible.

• Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is required for effective research and communication.

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📅 Application Timeline

• Application Deadline: August 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM EDT

• Letters of Recommendation Due: August 29, 2025

• Eligibility Notification: Mid-September 2025

• First-Round Zoom Interviews: Mid-October 2025

• Finalist Symposium and Interviews: November 13–14, 2025

• Final Selection Announcement: Early December 2025

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📝 Application Procedure

Application Process:

1. Online Application: Submit your application through Harvard's official academic positions portal: Apply Here.

2. Document Submission: Upload all required documents as specified below.

3. Recommendation Letters: Provide contact information for three to four referees. Automated emails will be sent to them with instructions for submitting their letters.

📂 Required Documents:

• Elevator Pitch: A 250-word summary describing your research goals to a general audience.

• Research Statement: A detailed proposal (maximum three pages, including references) outlining your research plans and any relevant preliminary work.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Comprehensive academic and professional history.

• Vision Statement: A one-page document describing how your personal values and academic experiences will shape the culture of your research group.

• Letters of Recommendation: Three to four letters from academic or professional references

Note: Applicants are encouraged to write their materials in their own voice. If AI tools are used in preparing application materials, their use must be declared and should not replace original thinking.

ℹ️ For inquiries regarding eligibility or the application process, contact the Rowland Institute at rf@g.harvard.edu.

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Harvard University Rowland Fellows Program 2026

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