Research Assistant

Harvard University Kennedy School, United States

Updated: over 2 years ago
Location: Cambridge, MASSACHUSETTS
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

The Center for International Development (CID) at Harvard University is a university-wide center that works to advance the understanding of development challenges and offer viable solutions to problems of global poverty. CID is Harvard's leading research hub focusing on resolving the dilemmas of public policy associated with generating stable, shared, and sustainable prosperity in developing countries. Our ongoing mission is to apply knowledge to and revolutionize the world of development practice.
CID's Growth Lab program has an immediate opening for a full-time Research Assistant to help with a range of research responsibilities. As an important part of our research teams, they will gain valuable experience working with faculty and research fellows on international development research and policy.

General Purpose:

The Research Assistant will provide a range of research support to faculty and research fellows working on either country projects or core research. They will often work with data, review research reports, and draft working documents. They will also interact closely with the Growth Lab's senior management and staff and hence must have excellent communication and organizational skills.


The primary responsibilities of the Research Assistant include:
Research Support

  • Learn complex research ideas, concepts, and methodologies and proactively apply them to new projects and situations;
  • Work closely with Growth Lab research teams in developing working papers, journal articles and presentations;
  • Analyze, manage, clean, and create datasets on a range of economic variables and indicators;
  • Perform quantitative analysis of structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data primarily using Stata under general direction of faculty and fellows to develop, test, and synthesize analytical models as required; and
  • Conduct literature reviews of relevant academic papers and development policies on specific topics in areas of economic growth theory, structural transformation, governance, and growth diagnostics.


    Policy Engagement

  • Collaborate with Growth Lab research teams to provide prompt feedback on policies being proposed by our high-level counterparts, including rapid data analysis;
  • Conduct literature reviews and comparative analysis of policies in relevant countries/contexts on topics including, but not limited to, economic growth theory and growth diagnostics, industrial policy, structural transformation, trade and investment regulations, FDI, among others; Contribute to working papers and project reports on project findings, analysis, and policy recommendations; and
  • Prepare presentations and policy briefs for internal and external audiences.

    Other support as needed

  • Provide support to the Growth Lab's senior management and staff in preparing presentations, editing proposals, preparing workshops and conferences, and managing contacts with external partners.
    Successful candidates will gain exposure to economic development issues and work alongside a friendly, energetic team in a high-profile, fast-paced office.


    This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire with very strong possibility of renewal.

    We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide Visa Sponsorship.
    Harvard University requires pre-employment references and background checks.
    Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.
    Please note: During the current period of Covid-19 related restrictions, this position may start as a remote position, with transition to onsite in Cambridge, Massachusetts when the office reopens.
    We continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 and lifting of restrictions. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility with our interview process. We will be conducting interviews virtually for selected candidates until further notice.
    Harvard will require COVID vaccination for all Harvard community members who will have any on-campus presence. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University's COVID vaccination requirement and exceptions may be found at the University's


    • Bachelor's degree in Economics, International Development, Finance, Statistics or Mathematics, with evidence of coursework involving advanced quantitative analysis and economic concepts.
    • Demonstrated research experience through previous positions, internships, or practicums.

    • Strong orientation to quantitative, data-driven analysis including demonstrated intermediate level experience with statistical software, particularly Stata. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and other applications.
    • Proficient at understanding and participating in high-level research, especially with respect to topics relating to international development.
    • Experience conducting data analysis across a range of economic methods, research based on thorough literature reviews, and writing research reports in a range of media from journals to reports to policy briefs. Exposure to topics such as development economics, growth diagnostics, structural transformation, and the implementation of development projects.
    • Ability to multitask while maintaining excellent attention to detail.
    • Excellent written and communication skills to match tone and content of a variety of presentation platforms for research.
    • Exposure to or experience in advanced statistics and machine learning/NLP techniques and algorithms using R, Python, Java, Spark, H20, , and Tableau etc. a plus.
    • Successful candidate must be highly motivated and detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.

    EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: 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, or any other characteristic protected by law.


    Internal Number: 54922BR

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