Jobs / United States / Harvard University
Senior Research Associate, Avoiding Great Power War Project
Harvard University · 🇺🇸 Cambridge, MA, US
Sponsorship verdict
Sponsorship possible
One solid signal, not two — worth applying, and worth asking about sponsorship early.
- Employer is on a government sponsor recordThe US Department of Labor certified 123 H-1B/E-3 labor condition applications for this employer between Oct 2025 and Jun 2026 (latest Jun 2026) — the step every H-1B hire needs first. USCIS also records 73 H-1B approvals in FY2023. Source: LCA disclosure data (US Department of Labor (OFLC)).
- The posting doesn’t mention sponsorshipSilence isn’t a refusal — ask the recruiter before investing much time.
- No salary bar for this routeH-1B has no fixed salary bar: the employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for the role and area. Cap-subject employers enter a lottery weighted by wage level. Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/29/2025-23853/weighted-selection-process-for-registrants-and-petitioners-seeking-to-file-cap-subject-h-1b, rules effective 2026-02-27.
- What Harvard University paid sponsored hires in similar roles10 certified filings for “Research Associate” (Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary) in MA: $74k–$101k, median $91k. Most were filed at wage level II (50%) — 2 lottery entries, ≈31% projected selection odds for cap-subject employers. Source: US Department of Labor LCA disclosure data (Oct 2025 – Jun 2026).
- Confirmed live todayWhen a source last listed this job as open.
US H-1B: cap-subject employers enter a lottery weighted by wage level — Level I gets 1 entry, Level IV gets 4 (DHS projected selection odds ≈15% at Level I to ≈61% at Level IV). Universities and non-profit research employers are cap-exempt. The $100,000 fee for new petitions from abroad is currently blocked by a court order (appeal pending).
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Sponsor Radar — Harvard University
The US Department of Labor certified 123 H-1B/E-3 labor condition applications for this employer between Oct 2025 and Jun 2026 (latest Jun 2026) — the step every H-1B hire needs first. USCIS also records 73 H-1B approvals in FY2023. Source: LCA disclosure data (US Department of Labor (OFLC)).
Past sponsorship or register membership never guarantees sponsorship for this vacancy or for you. Full Sponsor Radar for Harvard University →
About the role
The Belfer Center seeks a Senior Research Associate, Avoiding Great Power War Project to support Graham Allison, the Douglas Dillon Professor of Government at the Harvard Kennedy School and Faculty Chair of the Belfer Center’s Avoiding Great Power War Project. The Senior Research Associate will support and partner with Professor Allison to develop strategy and conceptualize core aspects of the research and convening agenda for the Avoiding Great Power War Project. Including, but not limited to: • Researching and publishing on the Great Rivalry between the U.S. and China. • Conducting research on China’s grand strategy, politics, and technology competition. • Conducting research on Taiwan and cross-strait relations. • Organizing academic year speaker events for the Project. • Publish research on U.S.-China relations, technology, and Chinese politics. • Support Professor Allison on China research projects, including Track 1.5/2.0s. • In collaboration with the Belfer communications team, conceptualize and lead plans to publicize and ensure dissemination of research outputs. Basic Qualifications: • Ph.D. is required. • 3+ years related work experience that includes research and publication in major science/technology and geopolitics/global affairs-focused outlets. • Professional fluency (written and spoken) in Mandarin Chinese required. • See important application instructions below. Additional Qualifications and Skills: • Strong preference for a PhD in a technology field (biotech, AI, quantum). • Professional knowledge and expertise of science/technology and its relevance to national security (technical experience strongly desired). • Professional experience researching Chinese domestic politics and interacting with Chinese government, academia, and political institutions (e.g., in the U.S. government or in Track 1.5/2.0 engagements). • Significant knowledge of U.S.-China relations, Chinese domestic politics, Chinese foreign policy, Taiwan and cross-strait relations, China’s technology strategy and the U.S.-China tech rivalry. • Professional experience working on national security policy related to technology (particularly, AI and biotechnology). • Excellent research, writing, and editing skills. • Expertise and communications skills required to host events with senior officials and stakeholders from government, diplomacy, and the private sector. • Mature self-starter with sound judgment, the capacity to work with a wide range of individuals, and ability to manage a variety of tasks/research projects simultaneously. • Interest in maximizing the public reach (through articles, speeches, social media, etc.) for research findings. • Appointment End Date: This is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire with the possibility of renewal. • Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position • Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education • Other Information: This is an in-person/on campus position based in Cambridge, MA, with possible flexible work options. • Application Instructions: All applicants must submit the following as part of a complete application: • (1) Cover letter of 300 words or less • (2) Résumé or CV • (3) Official or unofficial transcript • (4) Analytic writing sample of 20 pages or less • (5) Names and contact information for three references Work Format Details This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated l