Research Assistant

27-Feb-2024

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

65054BR

Job Summary

The Tech for All Lab at the Digital, Data, and Design (D^3) Institute at Harvard is looking for a Research Assistant. This position will report to the Senior Associate Director, Lab Operations at the Digital Data Design (D^3) Institute. The faculty supervisors will be the PIs of the lab, Rem Koning and Tarun Khanna.

This is one of two researcher positions within the Tech for All Lab. It is central to the data analysis across lab projects, the design and management of research processes, and preparation of manuscripts for publication. The Research Assistant will collaborate with other team members of the Tech for All Lab and D^3, including HBS staff, FAS staff, faculty, and students.

Position Description

• Manage and manipulate data using requested packages, such as STATA, Python, R, or MATLAB.
• Identify potential partner firms, build, and maintain relationships with external organizations.
• Develop, synthesize and provide analysis of literature reviews.
• Balance project requests from multiple faculty members, using strong communication and prioritization skills. Must be able to structure assignments and keep faculty member informed as necessary, using own judgment.
• Develop and maintain expertise in new research methodologies and techniques.
• Independently manage all timelines and deliverables.  Exercise independent decision making with regard to progression of research project and methodologies.
• Collect research data and make deductions and conclusions to share with faculty and other researchers
• Manage various reviews of research protocols including the Institutional Review Board (IRB), data use agreements (DUA), and data security application process with lab researchers

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required
• Two years' experience with statistics and machine learning

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Experience in emerging market economy required, two years' experience preferred.
• Experience using statistical computer languages (Python, STATA, R or MATLAB) required.
• Must be self-motivated with a desire to problem solve and learn new skills as required.
• Keen ability to understand and present complex findings to general audiences
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organization, research, analytical, writing, and editing skills are required. Proven ability to handle multiple projects, stakeholders, and demands, and to adapt to changes in priorities required.
• Evidence of outstanding academic achievement. Indication of independent research experience and/or applied experience.
• Methodological interests in econometrics, statistics, machine learning, industrial organization, productivity, and economic theory are preferred.

Working Conditions

This is an office/hybrid position. The Research Assistant is expected to be in the office 2-4 days per week.

Additional Information

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

This is a grant-funded one-year term position with the possibility of extension based on funding and performance.

All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

This is a grant-funded position. Funding for this position is administered by the Institute for Quantitative Social Science (IQSS), and the position falls under IQSS. IQSS sits in the Division of Social Science of Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS). The Division of Social Science is strongly committed to creating and supporting a diverse workforce. Respect and fairness, kindness and collegiality, and trust and transparency are among the values we espouse and promote in our workplace culture. We work hard to ensure a healthy, inclusive and positive environment where everyone does their best work in support of Harvard’s mission.

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

403126 Research Assistant IV Non-Lab

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Department

Institute for Quantitative Social Science (IQSS)

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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