Human Services Applied Research and Policy Fellowship Program

The University of Denver is recruiting 10 postdoctoral fellows for the Human Services Applied Research and Policy (HARP) Fellowship Program. Fellows will work in federal offices in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE). Fellows will contribute to applied human services research, evaluation, and policy while receiving University-based supervision, mentoring, and professional development. Fellows will devote approximately 80% of their time to host-office research, evaluation, and policy activities and 20% to their own research and professional development.

The program is part of the federally funded National Research Center for Promoting Work and Strong Families, based at DU’s Institute for Relationship Science.

Research That Informs Policy

Fellows will work with federal partners to answer questions that matter to human services programs and the people they serve. Assignments will reflect host-office priorities and each fellow’s expertise. Areas of interest include employment and earnings, economic mobility, public assistance and TANF, child well-being, child care, health services, and the effectiveness of human services programs.

Depending on the placement, fellows may analyze administrative or survey data; design, support, or assist federal staff with overseeing federally-sponsored evaluations; synthesize research; assess program implementation and costs; or prepare briefs and other products for policy audiences, among other duties. Fellows will learn how research questions and projects develop within the federal government and how to communicate findings clearly, including uncertainty and limitations, to policymakers and program administrators.

Mentorship & Professional Development

Each fellow will have a designated DU supervisor and a federal point of contact from the fellow’s placement office. An Individual Fellowship Plan will establish research assignments, expected products, professional development goals, and milestones. Fellows will participate in regular, individual supervision and be part of a cohort of scholars working across federal offices. The 20% of time reserved for independent research and professional development will support fellows’ own research interests and future career opportunities. Fellows will also receive a professional development allowance to support activities such as training and conference travel. 

Specific professional development activities may include:

  • Substantive and methodological mentoring from DU researchers and the Center’s national network
  • Training in research design, measurement, administrative data, causal inference, implementation science, and qualitative and mixed methods
  • Workshops on policy writing, research communication, data protection, and career development
  • Peer learning, works-in-progress discussions, and professional development and conference opportunities
students talking and smiling

Current Openings

Applications to open early-mid November 2026

We are recruiting for 10 fellowship positions across the following federal host offices. The number of positions in each office and specific assignments will be determined through the placement process. 

  • Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), HHS
  • Office of Family Assistance (OFA), ACF, HHS, including placements with the Research and Evaluation team and the TANF Data team
  • Office of Community Services (OCS), ACF, HHS

Learn more about the host offices: ASPE (https://aspe.hhs.gov/); OFA (https://acf.gov/ofa); and OCS (https://acf.gov/ocs). These websites describe each office’s mission and work. Specific fellowship assignments will be shared through the placement process.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who Should Apply?

    We welcome applicants who are nearing completion of a Ph.D. or who completed their Ph.D. within the past two to three years in a relevant social science, public policy, or related field. Relevant disciplines include but are not limited to economics, psychology, sociology, public policy, public administration, social work, education, and public health. Applicants should have a strong research record and an interest in contributing to evidence-based human services policymaking and practice. The Ph.D. must be completed before the fellowship begins. 

    Applicants should demonstrate strong research methods and communication skills, the ability to collaborate with government partners and work well in teams, and expertise relevant to one or more placement areas. Selected fellows must complete required federal credentialing and background checks before their fellowship can begin and meet University appointment requirements.

  • Appointment & Location?

    Though you'll be a University of Denver employee, you'll work side by side with federal staff, embedded in your host office and contributing to its daily work. Work arrangements will follow host-office requirements, but residence in or relocation to the Washington, DC, area is not required. Fellows will be expected to travel to Washington, DC and Denver a few times a year for in-person events and professional development activities. Appointments are generally for one year, with possible continuation based on program and host-office needs, performance, and available funding.

    Benefits: See DU employee benefits (https://www.du.edu/human-resources/benefits) for current plans and eligibility. Fellows will also receive a professional development allowance to support activities such as training and conference travel.

  • How to Apply?

    Applications will open mid-early November 2026.  Application materials will include:

    • Curriculum vitae
    • Statement of research and policy interests, including relevant experience and preferred placement areas (up to 3 pages single spaced)
    • References, including one non-academic reference, as specified in the position announcement

    Applications will be reviewed for research qualifications, methodological skills, policy interests, communication skills, and fit with the program and with available assignments. Finalists will be considered in consultation with federal host offices, and placements will reflect office needs, applicant expertise, and mutual interest.

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