Postdoctoral Scholars - Frequently Asked Questions

As a postdoc, how do I submit an application for funding?

There are two ways to submit an application for funding: you may submit as an individual or through Harvard University’s Office for Sponsored Programs (OSP). Some sponsors will require you to submit as an individual while others will require you to submit through the institution. Please be aware that there may be tax, benefits, and other implications that may change depending on whether you submit through Harvard University or as an individual. We highly recommend that you discuss your applications with a departmental grants administrator or your faculty mentor prior to submitting a proposal.

I am a postdoc in a department without a grants administrator. Where can I go to receive guidance and support to develop and submit my application(s)?

If your department does not offer grant support, please contact Research Administration Services to see what support we are able to provide. Postdocs in Social Science departments that do not have a designated sponsored research administrator should contact Jimmy Matejek-Morris at jmatejek@fas.harvard.edu. Postdocs in the Arts and Humanities Division or from Non-Divisional Departments and Centers should contact Katherine Zuccala at kzuccala@fas.harvard.edu.
 

See also: Postdocs

I am a postdoc based in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Who needs to review my grant proposal before submission?

For opportunities for which awards would be issued directly to Harvard University, proposals must be reviewed and approved by the following:

  • Your department or center
  • The Office for Sponsored Programs
  • Additional signatures (including Research Administration Services, OTD, or the OVPR) may be required based on the content and circumstances of the proposal.


Certain fellowship opportunities specify that resulting awards will be awarded/issued directly to the postdoctoral fellow; proposals for such opportunities may be submitted directly to the sponsor without the requirement of internal review. Please contact your sponsored research administrator as early as possible with any intention for proposal submission to review and confirm the required process for each opportunity.