The Dean's Postdoctoral Fellowship Frequently Asked Questions

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What is the application deadline?

Applications will be accepted starting January 3, 2023 and must be completed – including references and all supporting documents - no later than April 15, 2023.
 

• I’m interested in the postdoc program at HMS, but I don’t know any of the faculty. Can I still apply?

Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their postdoctoral research interests with a potential faculty mentor(s) prior to submitting an application. While it is not necessary to know a member of the faculty in order to apply, it is important to review the information provided on the departmental website to identify researchers whose current work and/or research interests complement yours. Introduce yourself to the person via email, letting them know that you are planning to apply for the Dean’s Postdoctoral Fellowship at Harvard Medical School and briefly outline your reasons for wanting to do a postdoc with them. If you have any questions or need additional support, please contact Jorge Fortin for the DPF.
 

• I am in the process of applying for permanent residency and hope to receive it by the time I want to start my postdoc. Am I eligible to apply?

The Fellowship is open to candidates who are US citizens or permanent residents at the time of application. If you are in the process of applying for permanent residency status, you will need to wait until it is received before submitting an application.
 

• Where is the form that I need to give to my reference writers?  

Entering the names of your references will generate an email that gives them access to the recommendation form only after you have submitted your application. To allow references to have sufficient time to prepare their responses, we encourage candidates to provide their writers with the list of questions on the form ahead of time. For a list of questions your referees will be asked to address, please click here.
 

• Where can I find out more information about being a postdoc at Harvard Medical School?

To learn about the range of programming, support and resources available to postdoctoral students at HMS, visit the Office for Postdoctoral Fellows website.