Research Assistant

06-Jun-2022

Harvard Kennedy School

58502BR

Job Summary

The Belfer Center seeks a Research Assistant to support Graham Allison, the Douglas Dillon Professor of Government at the Harvard Kennedy School and Director of the Belfer Center’s Avoiding Great Power War Project, in conducting in-depth research on the Chinese economy, the U.S. economy, and international economics. The successful candidate will have a background in economics and economic policy, with a focus on China. We believe that creating a diverse and inclusive organization is central to our ability to achieve our mission. It is our goal to promote historically underrepresented groups within our organization and within the fields of science and international affairs.

The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs is the hub of Harvard Kennedy School's research, teaching, and training in international security and diplomacy, environmental and resource issues, and science and technology policy. In 2021, the Belfer Center was named a “Center of Excellence” by the University of Pennsylvania’s Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program, in recognition of the Center’s six consecutive years as the world’s #1 university-affiliated think tank.
The Center has a dual mission: (1) to provide leadership in advancing policy-relevant knowledge about the most important challenges of international security and other critical issues where science, technology, environmental policy, and international affairs intersect; and (2) to prepare future generations of leaders for these arenas.

Position Description

Research Assistants work closely with other members of a small research team and play a key role in:  

• Conducting research on specific international security topics and producing in-depth analytic memos, eventually building deep expertise in their area(s) of responsibility.  

• Contributing to internal and external publications such as research reports, op-eds, academic articles, and book chapters.  

• Planning and conducting research for high-level events, including private working groups and large public events.  

• Other related job duties, as required.  

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.  

• Demonstrated knowledge of, and interest in, current international economic issues.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred, though we will consider candidates who have a bachelor’s degree with extraordinary academic or professional credentials.
• 1+ year of related work experience preferred but not required.
• Exceptional writing skills; basic quantitative proficiency; and a demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision under tight deadlines.  

Additional Information

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a written assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interviews with the research team and with Professor Allison.  

Important Application Instructions
Please include:

(1) Cover letter of 300 words or less  

(2) Résumé or CV 

(3) Official or unofficial transcript  

(4) Analytic writing sample of 20 pages or less   

(5) Names and contact information for three references 

Deadline 

Materials must be submitted no later than June 15, 2022, at 11:59pm Eastern. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and early submissions are encouraged.

• Time Off: 3- 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 11.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
• Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools. 
• Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
• Wellness Options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation and complimentary health services.
  Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston.

Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

403109 Research Assistant I Non-Lab

Department

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard Kennedy School’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism 
 
At Harvard Kennedy School, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels they belong is a matter of basic fairness consistent with our core values as an institution. It is also essential to our mission of improving public policy and leadership—because recruiting the best people and creating an environment where they can thrive make us better at what we do, because we learn more from people with different perspectives, and because we work in diverse groups and serve diverse societies. 
 
Learn more about Harvard Kennedy School’s commitment to Diversity Equity, and Anti-Racism.  

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.