JOE Listings (Job Openings for Economists)
August 1, 2025 - January 31, 2026
Harvard Kennedy School
Position Title/Short Description
Full Text of JOE Listing:
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 online a curriculum vitae, list of references, teaching evaluations if available, and at least one research paper to https://academicpositions.harvard.edu/postings/15387 . We will begin considering applications on November 1, 2025, and we will continue to do so until the position is filled.
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 based on 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.
Application Requirements:
External Application LinkFreqently Asked Questions
Applicants typically need a doctorate in economics or a closely related field, with expertise in applied microeconomics. Demonstrated research in education, health, housing, or innovation policy enhances competitiveness, especially when paired with skills in data analytics or machine learning relevant to public policy.
This role balances teaching specialized courses in public policy and economics with leading rigorous research projects. Faculty members also engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and contribute to policy discussions, integrating quantitative methods like data analytics to inform real-world policy solutions.
Early-career professors often progress to associate or full professorships, expanding their research footprint and leadership roles in academia. Opportunities may also arise in policy advisory capacities or senior analyst positions within government and think tanks, leveraging their academic and applied expertise.
The association fosters an environment valuing rigorous economic research combined with practical policy impact. Professors are encouraged to blend theoretical insights with empirical data, promoting innovative, evidence-based teaching that aligns with the association’s commitment to advancing economic understanding.
This role emphasizes interdisciplinary research crossing economics and public policy, with a strong focus on applied microeconomics and data-driven methods. The association’s network provides unique exposure to economic policy debates, enhancing scholarly engagement and visibility in influential policy circles.
Chelsea’s proximity to Boston’s academic hub creates a high-demand market for public policy scholars, with competition intensified by renowned institutions nearby. Candidates with interdisciplinary skills, especially in econometrics and policy analytics, tend to have stronger prospects amid this vibrant educational ecosystem.
While a PhD remains essential, familiarity with advanced statistical software, machine learning techniques, and experience in policy-relevant research are increasingly valued. Engagement with local policy initiatives and public sector collaborations can also distinguish candidates in this region.
The typical salary for an Assistant Professor of Public Policy in Chelsea, MA, falls between $75,000 and $110,000 annually, influenced by institutional prestige, research funding, and teaching load. Competitive compensation often includes benefits aligned with academic standards.
Harvard Kennedy School prioritizes applied research that intersects with real-world policy challenges. Professors are expected to integrate cross-disciplinary methods, including machine learning, and engage actively with public policy debates, fostering both academic excellence and societal impact.
The association offers robust platforms for research dissemination, networking opportunities with leading economists, and access to policy forums. This support helps junior faculty enhance their scholarly profile and influence policy-making through collaborative and innovative research.
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