Harvard STAR Lab Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded Research Opportunity in Behavioral Economics and Financial Well-Being @Being

Researchers seeking an international postdoctoral opportunity in behavioral economics, public policy, and social impact research can now apply for the prestigious STAR Lab Postdoctoral Fellowship at Harvard University for 2026. Hosted by the Sustainability, Transparency, and Accountability Research (STAR) Lab at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, the fellowship offers early-career scholars the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research while collaborating with leading academic and industry partners.

Applications are currently being reviewed on a rolling basis, making it important for eligible candidates to submit their materials as early as possible.

About the Harvard STAR Lab Postdoctoral Fellowship

The STAR Lab Postdoctoral Fellowship is designed for recent PhD graduates whose research interests focus on environmental, social, and economic impact initiatives led by the private sector.

For the 2026 fellowship cycle, the selected fellow will work on a series of research projects conducted in partnership with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA). The projects will explore how insights from behavioral economics can improve financial products and services that help individuals achieve better financial well-being.

The fellowship provides an opportunity to engage in high-impact research while working closely with academic experts and industry professionals.

Research Focus Areas

The fellowship will examine how behavioral science can influence financial decision-making and improve financial outcomes for individuals.

Research themes include:

• Present bias and financial behavior
• Cognitive capacity and decision-making
• Inattention bias
• Social influence on financial choices
• Trust in financial services
• Consumer financial well-being
• Behavioral interventions for improved outcomes

The research aims to develop and test practical solutions that help individuals align their actions with their financial goals and intentions.

Research Methods

The selected fellow will participate in rigorous academic research using a range of quantitative and experimental approaches.

Methods may include:

• Large-scale behavioral data analysis
• Surveys and questionnaire-based studies
• Laboratory experiments
• Field experiments
• Applied behavioral research
• Financial behavior assessments

The research findings are expected to contribute to academic publications and practical innovations in financial services.

Fellowship Responsibilities

The successful candidate will work full-time on fellowship projects and collaborate with both Harvard University and Commonwealth Bank of Australia teams.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting independent and collaborative research
• Coordinating project implementation with research partners
• Managing data collection and analysis
• Designing and evaluating behavioral interventions
• Preparing manuscripts for publication
• Serving as author or co-author on academic papers
• Contributing to project reporting and dissemination activities

The fellow will work under the guidance of the STAR Lab Director while engaging with interdisciplinary research teams.

Fellowship Location and Duration

The fellowship will be based at Harvard University’s Weatherhead Center for International Affairs.

Key details include:

• Start Date: August 1, 2026
• End Date: November 30, 2026
• Initial Duration: Four months
• Extension Possibility: Up to an additional six months

While primarily based at Harvard, the fellow may spend part of the fellowship period in Sydney, Australia, working directly with Commonwealth Bank of Australia teams to advance project activities.

Fellowship Benefits

The STAR Lab Postdoctoral Fellowship offers a competitive compensation package and additional professional benefits.

Benefits include:

• Annualized salary of USD 90,000
• Standard Harvard University employee benefits
• Research-related travel funding
• Potential international research experience in Australia
• Opportunities to publish in leading academic journals
• Collaboration with global experts in behavioral economics and public policy

The fellowship provides valuable exposure to both academic and industry research environments.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following academic requirements:

• Hold a PhD or equivalent doctoral degree before August 1, 2026
• Have recently completed their doctoral studies
• Possess expertise in relevant research areas

Eligible fields include:

• Economics
• Business
• Psychology
• Public Policy
• Political Science
• Statistics
• Related social science disciplines

Candidates who earned their doctoral degree within one year of the fellowship start date must provide official degree verification documentation.

Desired Expertise

Harvard University is particularly interested in candidates with experience or research interests in:

• Behavioral economics
• Corporate responsibility
• Financial inclusion
• Public policy analysis
• Experimental research methods
• Data analytics
• Social impact evaluation

Strong quantitative research skills and publication potential will be valuable assets during the selection process.

Required Application Documents

Applicants are required to submit:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Statement of Research

In addition, applicants must provide between two and three references as part of their application.

Why This Fellowship Stands Out

The STAR Lab Postdoctoral Fellowship combines world-class academic research with real-world industry collaboration. By partnering with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, the fellowship offers researchers a unique opportunity to test behavioral science theories in practical financial settings.

Participants gain access to extensive datasets, experienced research teams, and opportunities to influence products and services that can improve financial well-being for thousands of individuals.

For early-career scholars seeking to strengthen their research portfolio while contributing to meaningful social impact, this fellowship provides an exceptional platform for professional growth and academic advancement.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.