National Security Law & Policy Initiative Fellowship

National Security Law & Policy Initiative Fellowship

Harvard Law School’s National Security Law & Policy Initiative (NSLPI) invites applications for a one-year NSLPI Fellowship with the possibility of renewal for a second year, based on business needs and funding. Eligible applicants are promising legal scholars in the field of national security with strong academic records who have a desire to teach law and potential for success on the legal academic job market. Applicants will have an interest in national security law and policy and in pursuing research, working on scholarship, and preparing to enter the law teaching market. The fellowship combines time to work independently on scholarship with responsibilities related to the newly launched NSLPI.

A primary duty of the NSLPI fellow will be to assist the NSPLI Faculty Director in conceptualizing, planning, and executing conferences, seminars, and other events related to national security. The NSLPI fellow will work closely with NSLPI-affiliated faculty, Visiting Fellows, and Student Fellows, as well as with a wide array of other Harvard Law faculty, staff, and students, to bolster the Law School’s vibrant intellectual community through national security-related initiatives and programming.

The fellowship includes time to work independently on scholarship, including through access to Harvard’s library resources, and facilitates mentoring relationships with relevant faculty.

The successful candidate will be comfortable in an academic environment that requires a high level of independence, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to use discretionary judgment.

Position Description:

  • Engage in national security law-related research, writing, and scholarship.
  • Help launch the new NSLPI by assisting in conceptualizing, planning, promoting, and executing several high-profile events, including a conference on Congress’s role in national security and another conference on rebuilding the international legal order.
  • Work collaboratively with the NSLPI Faculty Director, Visiting Fellows, Student Fellows and a range of other constituents in the Law School and across Harvard University to identify potential speakers, build awareness of the NSLPI, and encourage participation in and attendance at NSLPI events.
  • Oversee NSLPI event logistics, manage outreach to guest speakers, develop discussion frameworks and questions, and prepare associated briefing materials.
  • Work closely with the Law School’s Office of Communications on news articles on the NSLPI and other related content, including for the NSLPI website.
  • Liaise with relevant student organizations.
  • Participate in community-wide intellectual life initiatives.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

  • J.D., L.L.M or S.J.D. degree, and superior academic record are required.

Additional Qualifications:

  • Interest in pursuing a legal academic career track.
  • Interest in and experience related to national security law and policy within the United States or at the international level.
  • Ability to think strategically and creatively.
  • Superior written and verbal communications skills.
  • Sound judgment and an extremely high level of professionalism, diplomacy, discretion, collegiality, and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and proven success in developing collaborative relationships.

Working Conditions:

  • This position is based on campus in Cambridge, MA.

Additional Information:

  • The NSLPI fellowship will begin in summer or fall 2026 (by mutual agreement) with an end date of June 30, 2027, with possibility of extension based on business need and funding.  
  • The NSLPI Fellow will receive an annualized salary of $60,000, plus benefits.

To be considered for the fellowship, applicants should submit the following documents: 

  1. a comprehensive résumé  or curriculum vitae,
  2. a detailed cover letter describing your interest in the fellowship and relevant experience with or interest in national security law and policy,
  3. a law school transcript,
  4. two letters of recommendation (must be uploaded directly by the recommenders through the online application process), and
  5. two writing samples.

Please submit only what is required above. Only complete applications will be considered. Letters of recommendation must be received in order for an application to be complete. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

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Please direct any questions to NationalSecurityFellowship@law.harvard.edu

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 on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, 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.

Please note that Harvard retains the discretion to determine which visa status is appropriate and whether a visa sponsorship application will ultimately be submitted, including payment of any applicable fees. As may be appropriate, the Academic and Faculty Affairs Administrator will work with the Harvard International Office to initiate the visa application process.