Harvard Divinity School invites applications for a one-year, term-limited, paid position for Yang Visiting Scholars in World Christianity for the academic year 2027-2028.
Responsibilities
Each visiting scholar teaches one course (either in the fall or in the spring semester) and presents their research in a public lecture, panel discussion, or events during their time at HDS. Yang Visiting Scholars are required to be in full-time residence at Harvard Divinity School while carrying out their proposed research projects and while teaching their course.
Any publication and/or research resulting from the stay at Harvard Divinity School must be credited to the Yang Visiting Scholars Program in World Christianity at Harvard Divinity School.
Eligibility
Positions are open to early career and senior scholars with doctorates in the fields of religion and to those with primary competence in other humanities, social science, and public policy fields who demonstrate a serious interest in World Christianity and hold appropriate degrees in those fields. Selection criteria emphasize the quality of the applicant’s research prospectus, teaching experience, publication plans, and the significance of the contribution of the proposed research to the study of World Christianity – its cultural, social and political contexts, viewed globally, and not only through the lens of specific regions.
Applicants should demonstrate the following:
(1) A doctoral degree in the field of religion (received by June 30, 2026) with primary competence in other humanities, social sciences, and public policy fields
(2) Experience teaching students at the Masters’ and/or doctoral level
(3) A serious interest in world Christianity as evidenced by the holding of appropriate degrees in the field of religion and related fields
(4) A research prospectus that outlines objectives, methods, and publication plans; the expansion of expertise offered through HDS courses; and the significance of the contribution of the proposed research to the study of world Christianity
Compensation
The salary for 2027–28 is $70,000 (non-negotiable). This is a full-time appointment, lasting ten months, and includes health benefits as well as a research stipend.
For further questions, and/or inquiries, please contact the Yang Scholars Program Office in the Office of Academic Affairs.
Application Process
Applications are only accepted through the Harvard employment website. No hardcopy/regular mail or email applications are possible.
Your completed application through the Harvard portal must contain the following:
- A title and a description of your proposed research project (statement of research), not to exceed 1,250 words;
- The title and description of a course on world Christianity related to your project, not to exceed one page;
- A cover letter, focusing on your background in studies of Christianity, not to exceed 750 words;
- Curriculum vitae, not to exceed 10 pages;
- A sample of course evaluations (if available)
- Writing sample, either a chapter or article, in electronic format (only a few pages, please).
- Two letters of recommendation are required.
Questions? Contact us at yangscholars@hds.harvard.edu.
Application materials will be accepted only from July 1, 2026, to September 21, 2026, through the online portal, http://academicpositions.harvard.edu.
