Research Assistant

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

Job Description

The mission of the Taubman Center for State and Local Government at the Harvard Kennedy School is to support current and future public sector leaders in improving the governance of states, counties, and cities. The Taubman Center and its affiliates, including the Government Performance Lab, Harvard Impact Labs, and the Rappaport Institute for Greater Boston, are generating solutions to pressing state and local government challenges through teaching, academic research, hands-on projects with governments, and convenings that bring together policy makers and thought leaders to engage with faculty, staff, fellows, and students. 

Job Summary:

The Research Assistant will work directly with Professor Liebman on a variety of projects related to social policy, economic policy, and government performance. Specific topics may include early education, alternative 911 response, homelessness, social security reform, health care, budget policy, and government innovation.  

The ideal candidate will have strong programming and quantitative skills, and a long-term interest in pursuing research in economics or public policy.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Analyze, manage, clean, and create datasets
• Conduct statistical analyses using languages such as Stata, R, and Python 
• Review literature and summarize findings
• Maintain documentation of datasets and analyses
• Help prepare manuscripts for publication and slides for conference presentations
• Help prepare teaching materials 

Working Conditions:

This is an in-person position, and the Research Assistant needs to be available to work on campus 5 days a week. Some weeks, 1-2 days of remote work may be possible. Specific days and schedule will be determined with their supervisor.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• College background in economics and statistics
• Strong programming skills evidenced by experience with statistical and programming languages such as Stata, R and/or Python 

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

If you meet some but not all of the these requirements, we encourage you to apply:

• Outstanding achievement in coursework involving advanced quantitative analysis and economic concepts
• Ability to learn new statistical programming languages quickly
• Experience with statistical and programming languages such as STATA, R, and/or Python
• Excellent writing, research, and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently, including on multiple projects at the same time
• Prior research experience from undergraduate thesis research, previous positions, internships, or practicums and/or college coursework is a plus
• Understanding of causal inference methods – randomized controlled trials, difference-in-differences, regression discontinuity, and related approaches is a plus

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: One year from date of hire with possibility of renewal
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
• Other Information: This position requires working 5 days/week on-site on our campus in Cambridge, MA, and is not eligible for remote work. 1-2 days of remote work may be possible some weeks. 

   

   

   

   

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 053. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

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, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, 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.