Research Assistant

15-Apr-2024

Harvard Law School

65481BR

Job Summary

Imagine if lawyers, judges, and decision makers used rigorous evidence to design and run the U.S. justice system. They could:
• enable far more people, especially those who can’t afford to hire lawyers, to access civil justice;
• make the criminal justice system fairer and more efficient; and
• promote the dignity and respect of individuals and families as they encounter the justice system.
The Access to Justice Lab creates and shares the rigorous evidence needed to make these transformations happen. 

This position works under the A2J Faculty Director and one or more front-line researchers to implement A2J Lab field operations, and conducts as needed background research on the effort to transform the US legal system into an evidence-based profession. 

Position Description

As a Research Assistant you will:  

• Coordinate, administer, organize, facilitate, and support research of the Access to Justice (A2J) Lab, particularly two projects already in the field 
• Maintain contact with study participants, manage survey operations, organize mass mailings, code into spreadsheets data for ongoing projects  
• Under close supervision, facilitate communications and follow up on open items with study sites, field partners, and third-party administrative data holders 
• As part of the study team, troubleshoot operational issues as they arise 
• Update project documentation related to study operations of the A2J Lab and field partners 
• In conjunction with the A2J Lab’s Faculty Director, support work of student research assistants by providing them with appropriate files and explaining the content of those files  
• Construct and adhere to schedules of operations for ongoing projects  
• Research and draft memoranda supporting the A2J Lab’s field operations 
• Perform other duties as assigned 

Basic Qualifications

College background or equivalent experience. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people who have:  

• At least one year related work experience an asset 
• Demonstrated knowledge of research populations and/or techniques helpful 
• Knowledge of basic research methods and statistical techniques  
• Prior experience in project management and organization  
• Strong cooperation skills and motivation 
• Strong independent motivation, and a desire to see projects upon which they work succeed 
• Strong writing and interpersonal skills, particularly when working with individuals unfamiliar with the court system. 
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office suite 
• Proficiency in Spanish an asset 

Additional Information

This is a one year term appointment with potential for renewal subject to funding and departmental need. 

We regret that Harvard Law School is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.
All offers to be made by HLS Human Resources.

Work Format Details

While the position is based on site in Cambridge, MA, this role has the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement (some combination of on site and remote), subject to business need and manager review/approval. All remote work must be performed within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA *exempt only, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA) 

About Us

Be a part of excellence and leadership in legal education and scholarship at Harvard Law School. We are a community of talented people from diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives, dedicated to advancing the cause of justice all over the world. We value our differences and our diversity as a source of strength. We are committed to developing and inspiring our students and our workforce. Whoever you are, whatever you do, however you do it, Harvard Law School  is a place where you can thrive.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

403109 Research Assistant I Non-Lab

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Department

Access to Justice Lab

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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