U.S. Health Equity Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Harvard University - Boston, MA

Full-time - Entry Level

Boston, MA

Educational Services

About the position

The U.S. Health Equity Postdoctoral Research Fellow position at Harvard Medical School's Department of Global Health and Social Medicine is designed for early-career researchers committed to advancing health equity in the U.S. healthcare system. This fellowship, established in memory of Paul Farmer, emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to address the complex social, economic, and political factors that influence global health delivery. The department recognizes that traditional medical models alone cannot fully tackle the barriers posed by poverty, inequality, and limited access to resources. Therefore, fellows will engage in original research projects that explore these issues, particularly in low-income settings. Fellows will be based in Boston and will have the opportunity to work closely with two mentors: a primary mentor from the Global Health and Social Medicine faculty and a co-mentor from another Harvard department. This mentorship structure is designed to support fellows in their research endeavors and professional development. The fellowship will last for two years, during which fellows will participate in department seminars, career-development workshops, and collaborative research efforts. The department's senior faculty lead research in various areas, including digital technology for health care, the ecology of poverty, health care delivery systems, and the health impacts of climate change, among others. The program aims to cultivate a new generation of academic leaders equipped to conduct impactful research that promotes health equity through the lens of social medicine. The fellows will be expected to demonstrate intellectual curiosity, independent work capacity, and a commitment to engaging with local research partners in low-income communities. This position not only offers a stipend but also provides funding for research and professional development, ensuring that fellows have the resources necessary to succeed in their academic careers.

Responsibilities

• Pursue an original research project designed to advance health equity in the U.S. health care system.
• Collaborate with community-based organizations and clinical partners to evaluate interventions and systems for improving health care delivery.
• Engage with mentors to refine research proposals and methodologies.
• Participate in department seminars and career-development workshops at Harvard Medical School.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary research efforts within the department.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree in a field related to social medicine or global health.
• Experience working in low-income communities.
• Knowledge of U.S. health care systems.
• Demonstrated capacity for independent research and collaboration with local research partners.

Nice-to-haves

• Intellectual curiosity and a strong interest in health equity research.
• Experience in conducting field research in low-income settings.
• Familiarity with interdisciplinary approaches to health care delivery.

Benefits

• Fellowship stipend
• Research funding
• Professional development funding