In order to promote scholarly research, exchange, and conversation about the medieval world, the Committee on Medieval Studies welcomes a small number of Visiting Scholars and Associates each academic year. Visiting Scholars and Associates may work in any field dealing with some aspect of medieval society, religion, or culture in Europe, Africa, or Eurasia, and are welcomed as full members of Harvard’s rich intellectual and social community of medievalists.
Visiting Scholars and Associates may be appointed to terms ranging from three to six months. They enjoy full access to Harvard libraries and many other university facilities, an email account, and shared office space during the period of their appointment. They are expected to be engaged in research projects that draw upon Harvard’s manuscript, library, and other resources; to remain in residence in the Cambridge/Boston area during their appointment; to participate fully in the seminars, colloquia, and other activities of the Committee on Medieval Studies; and to share the results of their research in a seminar or other public venue. All applicants must have received the Ph.D., or equivalent terminal degree in their field, before the date on which they plan to begin their term as visiting scholars or associates at Harvard.
Please note that these are unpaid research positions. Visiting Scholars are responsible for providing their own funding and securing their own accommodations during the term of their appointment. Researchers who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must obtain a visa to enter the U.S., and must demonstrate that they will be able to support themselves and any dependents traveling with them for the duration of their visit.
Those wishing to apply to the Medieval Studies Visiting Scholar Program should submit a dossier containing the following:
1. Application form
2. Current curriculum vitae
3. A short research proposal (no more than 750 words)
4. Two letters of recommendation (sent by recommenders under separate cover); one of these must come from a Harvard faculty member familiar with the applicant and the applicant’s work.
Applications are accepted twice yearly. Those applying for a visiting position at Harvard in Fall 2024 must submit all materials no later than Friday, 29 March 2024; those applying for Spring 2025 should submit applications by Friday, 30 August 2024. Materials may be submitted electronically to medieval@fas.harvard.edu (with the subject line “Visiting Scholar Application”), or by regular mail to:
Visiting Scholar Program
Committee on Medieval Studies
Barker Center 120
12 Quincy Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
If you have any questions, please contact the Committee on Medieval Studies' Administrative Director, Sean Gilsdorf (gilsdorf@fas.harvard.edu).