Thomas Lab at Harvard’s Laboratory for Developmental Studies
We, Ashley Thomas (Psychology) and P. Quinn White (Philosophy), are looking for a researcher to apply with us for Harvard’s Mind Brain Behavior (MBB) Postdoctoral Fellowship. The fellowship funds two years of interdisciplinary work and requires two faculty sponsors from different departments. We’d be those sponsors, and we’d work with the candidate to develop the proposal.
The project.
Iris Murdoch said that to love someone is to do the hard work of seeing them as a particular individual, and that this is what living a moral life means. The idea has shaped recent philosophy of love, but nobody has tested it empirically. Our new project asks whether this capacity starts in infancy.
The fellow would write a proposal within this program. It could be built around a study they lead, a philosophical question they want to test, or both. They would also co-author papers in both fields.
Who we’re looking for.
PhD in psychology, cognitive science, philosophy, or a related field, with no more than one year of postdoctoral experience by the fellowship start date (an MBB requirement)
Hands-on experience collecting data with infants or toddlers, with looking-time methods,
Some training in philosophy (e.g., undergraduate degree, coursework, published work, or prior collaborations), especially in ethics, moral psychology, philosophy of mind, or philosophy of love
Strong quantitative skills and an interest in writing for both psychologists and philosophers
Environment.
The fellow would be based in the Thomas Lab at Harvard’s Laboratory for Developmental Studies. They would also be part of Harvard Philosophy and MBB’s postdoctoral community.
Fellowship details.
Two years, with the second year depending on progress. The stipend follows NIH guidelines. The expected start date is July 1, 2027, and the MBB application deadline is expected to be around February 1, 2027. Applicants submit a 3-page research proposal, a 1-page personal statement, and a CV, plus letters of support from their sponsors.
To express interest, please complete this short form by December: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfiNnpBrLesy86V4xpK127s00su7k33BMbBFTEnUxD5lnv8WA/viewform
It asks for your CV and a writing sample, along with brief answers about your infant research experience, your philosophical background, and the question you would want to pursue within the project. We will select a candidate and work closely with them on the MBB application.
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Ashley J. Thomas, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology
Harvard University
website: https://www.ashleyjthomas.com/
Closing Date: 12/01/2026
Contact: