Research Assistant

11-Mar-2024

Harvard Graduate School of Education

65168BR

Job Summary

The Ecological Approaches to Social Emotional Learning (EASEL) Lab, led by Professor Stephanie M. Jones and Associate Director Rebecca Bailey, seeks a part-time Research Assistant to support our team in the Human Development and Education Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. The EASEL Lab explores the effects of high-quality social-emotional interventions on the development and achievement of children, youth, teachers, parents, and communities. Our projects aim to advance the field of social and emotional learning (SEL) through research, practice, and policy. 

The EASEL Lab is working with UBS Optimus Foundation to provide guidance and advice as they develop a new global social and emotional learning (SEL) strategy. This work involves conducting the following research activities:

Position Description

The Research Assistant will support the project team (including senior researchers at HGSE, an EASEL Lab Research Associate, and student interns) to execute all project activities, 

including scheduling, conducting, and analyzing of program interviews; 

developing analysis plans; 

contributing to written reports and slide decks; 

managing communication with the funder; 

may also support the EASEL Lab in other research, programmatic, or administrative tasks as needed.

This is a part-time position for 20 hours per week with an end date of May 31, 2024.

Basic Qualifications

Minimum 2 years of related experience.  Must have experience with SEL research and/or programs in global contexts (e.g., program design, evaluation, teaching, training/professional development/coaching). The ideal candidate will also have experience conducting and analyzing interviews as part of research.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

This position requires excellent organizational and communication skills, demonstrable initiative, ability to work independently, and strong interpersonal and administrative skills. A high capacity to plan and organize is required.

• A master’s degree in human development, education, or prevention science
• Knowledge and experience with education in diverse international contexts (especially East, Southeast, and South Asia and Ukraine)
• Familiarity with social-emotional developmental literature and SEL programs
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong writing and analysis skills
• Willingness to collaborate with team members on diverse project tasks
• Proficiency in Mandarin a plus

Working Conditions

HGSE is currently developing dynamic workplace models which will actively support a combination of on-campus and remote work (within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business) where business and operational needs allow. You and your manager will discuss the best schedule based on your role and operational need. If your role allows for remote work, please note that all remote work must be performed within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA (Only Exempt), CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Please also note that Harvard will withhold each applicable state’s required tax and other withholdings from your paycheck for the time you work there.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

We regret that the Harvard Graduate School of Education does not provide Visa sponsorship.

Additional Information

HGSE Human Resources values diversity in all forms and believes that each employee brings a set of diverse experiences and identities to the workplace that makes us stronger, encourages innovation, and enhances our collective contributions.  We continue to develop and support a workforce that reflects the diversity of those we serve; fosters an environment that allows everyone to belong and to bring their best self to work; and creates the conditions that empower employees to contribute their full potential to advancing the work of the school.
We do this by:

   Hiring and retaining staff reflecting the diversity of those we serve

   Providing employees opportunities to learn, grow, and be challenged

   Reviewing and ensuring fairness and equity in HR practices and policies including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and compensation

   Developing strong relationships and partnerships internal and external to our community to advance diversity and inclusion

   Communicating transparently and respectfully; and

   Fostering an inclusive, respectful, and professional work environment

About the Harvard Graduate School of Education

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

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

403113 Research Assistant II Non-Lab

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Appointment End Date

31-May-2024

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.